STAFF have finally been told their bosses are facing jail and their own future employment is uncertain, after three Bournemouth brothers were convicted of a £3.8 million tax fraud.

Hedayat, Shahab and Shahin Hashtroudi, the brothers connected with the long-established Alcatraz group of restaurants, were found guilty following an eight-week trial at Southampton Court.

The Echo understands that while the case was ongoing, the majority of the estimated 200 staff members employed by the trio were unaware of the court proceedings.

A spokesman for the family said: "

The brothers will be sentenced on February 1 in Southampton, and are facing lengthy jail terms. The Hashtroudi brothers declined to comment on the court proceedings to date, or this sentencing hearing, after taking legal advice.

However, on Thursday a statement was issued on their behalf.

This explained: "The business was very successful for 34 years, however, in 2008 the industry was hit hard by the recession which no one could have envisaged would last this long.

"Through this tough economic climate the family have managed to keep their loyal staff in employment and fought back to the the business back on track."

The Alcatraz Group, which started with a small coffee shop in 1974, employed around 300 people at its height.

Today, the number of employees is understood to be closer to 200.

It operates the Alcatraz Caffes at Horsehoe Common in Bournemouth and High Street, Poole, as well as the Sir John Barleycorn pub at Cadnam in Hampshire.

The Hashtroudi family also previously owned the Old Beams pub at Ibsley in the New Forest.

Shahab Hastroudi, 63, of Carrbridge Close, was convicted of four charges of failing to account for the PAYE and Value Added Tax between October 28, 2008, and June 29, 2016.

Hedayat Hastroudi, 66, of Stirling Road, was found guilty of one charge of cheating the public revenue by failing to account for the PAYE and Value Added Tax between February 21, 2012, and October 30, 2014.

Meanwhile, Shahin Hashtroudi, 56, of Dunkeld Road, was also found guilty of cheating the public revenue by failing to account for the PAYE and Value Added Tax.