Two thugs are facing life sentences for the savage killing of a fellow down-and-out in toilets in Thanet.

Duncan Shelbourne and Kyle Eames inflicted multiple injuries on Alan Parker, fracturing his skull, nose, ribs and neck cartilage.

Shelbourne was later to boast after the attack in Fifth Avenue, Walpole Bay, that the 44-year-old victim’s head "squirted like a watermelon".

Shelbourne, of Dalby Square, Cliftonville, denied the murder but was convicted by a jury. Eames, of no fixed address, had previously admitted the charge.

Both have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on October 10.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Mr Parker was known in the area for his red shopping trolley and diminutive stature.

Prosecutor Oliver Saxby said Mr Parker, Shelbourne, 45, and Eames, 21, were part of the "street community" in Margate.

Mr Parker was in poor health. He had bad hearing and walked with a limp.

Mr Saxby said Shelbourne and Eames, known as Chopper, were more capable and relatively fit, despite heavy drinking.

While they may have enjoyed Mr Parker’s company, beneath the surface there was a "barely disguised disdain, even hatred" for him.

Shelbourne was to claim the victim stole from his disabled father, hung around the public toilets "looking for business" and was often called a nonce by others.

"Mr Parker was an obvious target and an easy target, ill-equipped to fight back," said Mr Saxby. "He was a punch bag literally and metaphorically."

His unconscious body was found in March last year by a cleaner. He died later that day at the QEQM Hospital in the town.

The injuries to Mr Parker’s neck were consistent with stamping or kicking.

Mr Saxby said Shelbourne and Eames later appeared proud of what they had done.

Shelbourne, who did not give evidence, told police: "How can you murder a bag of s---? He touches up young kids. He called Mr Parker a paedophile and said he had "done a favour and took him out of the system".