A GUNMAN who threatened to shoot a terrified commuter in the head during a robbery at Wool railway station has been jailed for two years.

Mark Morgan, of no fixed abode, pulled out a handgun and pointed it directly at his victim's head, before aiming at his arm and pulling the trigger.

However, Bournemouth Crown Court heard the firearm failed to activate.

His victim, a 22-year-old man from Wool, had been making his way home in November, last year, when Morgan engaged him in conversation before snatching his mobile phone.

When the victim demanded it back Morgan pulled out the handgun, aimed it at his head and said: "You're not having you phone back."

At this point, the court heard, the victim bravely held out his arms to the side and asked Morgan if he was going to shoot him in front of other passengers and the station's CCTV cameras.

Morgan then trained the weapon at the victim's left arm and pulled the trigger, but the gun failed to discharge.

Detective Constable Phillip Bibbings, of British Transport Police, said: "There is no place for any crime on the rail network and Morgan's actions were terrifying for the victim, who was simply making his way home. I hope the sentence will allow Morgan to reflect on his actions."

Morgan was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and 12 months for theft from the person. He will service these sentences consecutively.

During sentencing, on August 28, the court also heard that after the weapon failed to activate Morgan once again pointed the gun at his victim's head.

At this point the victim swiped at Morgan's outstretched arm, causing Morgan to drop his own mobile phone, which the victim quickly picked up.

He then pushed Morgan again and this time the armed robber dropped the victim's phone. The victim picked up his own phone and threw Morgan's back to him.

Officers arrested Morgan later that evening and seized a plastic Kinder Egg containing a number of pills and a bag containing white powder.

Morgan was also sentenced to seven days for possession of a Class B controlled drug, and seven days for possession of a Class C controlled drug. These sentences will be served concurrently.