Two men have been handed lengthy prison sentences after shooting a courageous shopkeeper during an attempted robbery.

Brave Ibrahim Ahmedi fought off the raiders armed with a BB gun and a taser after refusing to hand over cash at the International Food Centre in Ramsgate High Street in February.

The man who fired a ball bearing into Mr Ahmedi’s neck, Lithuanian Alexsandra Saprykin, has been branded as “cold and calculating” by the judge.

Judge Brown told them that after leaving Diggens near the door Saprykin went to the counter demanding cash.

She added: “You demanded that Mr Ahmedi hand over the bag of money which I am sure Saprykin knew was kept behind the counter.

“Mr Ahmedi refused and Saprykin took out a loaded BB gun and shot him in the neck. That was a deliberate shot which was intended to force Mr Ahmedi to comply.

“However he bravely refused to give in and he fought with you, trying to get the gun off you.”

The trial at Canterbury Crown Court heard how the two would-be robbers then fled but were chased by passers-by.

The men took off down the High Street where Saprykin then produced a taser which was fired with the intention of frightening the pursuers.

He was nabbed by police days later in Detling Hill near Maidstone claiming he was about to hand himself in.

But the judge rejected his account saying he posed a danger to the public.

"During the trial I had the benefit of observing you. I formed the conclusion that you treated the proceedings and the law with contempt.

“In my own assessment of you, I find you are a cold and calculating man who would use violence in the future, including weapons, if it suited your interests as you saw them.”

Prosecutor Peter Forbes said Mr Ahmedi was taken to the QEQM and William Harvey Hospitals for treatment but "fortunately survived".

The shopkeeper said the ball bearing had lodged near his windpipe and he spent four days in hospital.

In a victim impact statement, read to the judge, Mr Ahmedi said he still suffers nightmares because of the attack.

Diggens, 24, of Trove Court, and ringleader Saprykin 40, of Chapel Place, Ramsgate were found guilty of attempted robbery and two firearms charges.

Judge Catherine Brown passed a 16 year extended sentence,jailing him for 12 years and then ordering he serve an extra four years on licence when he is finally released.

Accomplice Ryan Lee Diggens received a nine year prison sentence for being “ a willing participant” in the attack and as he carried out the crime while already on a suspended sentence, he was also ordered to an extra five-and-a-half months in prison consecutively.

Speaking after sentencing, investigating officer detective sergeant Nathan Scamp said: "The pair tried to bully and intimidate the victim into giving them money but unfortunately for them they underestimated his courage to protect the shop and stand up to them.

"To carry out a robbery is a serious offence, but to carry firearms of any kind escalates this into something more severe.

"Although the victim was not seriously injured, this could have had tragic consequences and I am pleased the court has recognised that.

"I wish to thank the witnesses who came forward at the time, and all those who have assisted in bring this case to court."