A brave shop worker had his eyes gouged and was attacked with a glass bottle as he fought off a man attempting to raid a Londis store.

The courageous employee was working at the shop in Addington Street, Ramsgate, when Sam Kuypers forced his way behind the counter.

The violent thug pushed the shop worker out of the way and attempted to open the till by hitting it.

But despite verbal threats, the victim refused to help Kuypers and he left with nothing.

Not giving up, the victim followed him outside so he could inform police of his location.

But he was confronted by Kuypers, who racially abused him and attacked him with an empty glass bottle.

As the victim lay on the ground trying to shield himself, Kuypers gouged his eyes before a member of the public intervened and the offender fled.

He handed himself in to police later on the same day on February 27 this year.

The 34-year-old, of no fixed address, admitted robbery and racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on May 20.

He was jailed for four years and must also serve an additional two years on licence when he is released.

Investigating officer DC Richard Cordery said: "Kuypers showed a level of arrogance when he barged behind the shop counter and assumed he could threaten and intimidate the shop worker into handing over money he had no right to.

"He underestimated the courage shown by his victim who stood up to him and then followed him, hoping to tell police of his location.

"He then carried out a reprehensible, racist and violent attack against his victim which would have been a frightening ordeal. Fortunately people stepped in to help the victim from further harm.

"Kuypers’ attitude is not acceptable and I hope he uses his time in prison to reconsider his behaviour."

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