A MAN who robbed a Winton store with a sawn-off shotgun before being wrestled to the ground by the shopkeeper has been jailed for 11 years.

Martin Willis, 50, received two eight year prison terms for robbery and possessing a firearm, and a three year term for possessing ammunition, all of which will be served concurrently.

However his sentence was also extended by three years to protect the public.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard Willis, of no fixed abode, raided Bingham Stores in Alma Road at 9.50pm on Sunday, February 16, pointing the shotgun at the owner behind the till and demanding money and cigarettes.

He was handed nearly £2,000 in cash and two packets of cigarettes, but brave store owner Michael Guldede saw an opportunity and grabbed the gun off him.

Willis ran out of the shop pursued by Mr Guldede, who wrestled him to the ground a short distance away in the street after a short chase.

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott said the money was recovered and the shotgun found not to be loaded – but two shotgun cartridges were found in Willis’ pocket.

Mr Guldede, 24, said he was pleased to have been able to play a part in bringing Willis to justice.

“It was a big shock at the time, I have had several weeks off work as a result and I am always worried it might happen again,” he said.

“I have run stores in Bournemouth for eight years but have never experienced anything like it before.

“But I feel better about it knowing I helped the police catch someone who won’t be robbing any other stores for a long time.”

On March 18, Willis pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a firearm with the intention of committing an indictable offence, and possessing prohibited ammunition.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bell, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “I commend the bravery of the victim in this case. He acted without any consideration to his own safety, swiftly detaining Willis.

“The severity of this sentence highlights that the courts will not tolerate this type of offending.

“I hope the result of this case will act as a deterrent to other would be offenders.”