AN Exmouth armed robber who aimed a gun at a supermarket cashier was jailed for six years at Exeter Crown Court today (April 1).

AN Exmouth armed robber who aimed a gun at a supermarket cashier was jailed for six years at Exeter Crown Court today (April 1).

Scott Brown, 21, of New Street, entered Tesco Express, Rolle Street, Exmouth, at around 9pm on January 26 2010 and aimed a firearm at the cashier, the manager and a shopper.

Brown demanded money from the cashier, who filled a bag with approximately �600.

Judge Graham Cottle slapped Brown with a nine-year extended sentence - ordering him to serve six years in jail with three years on licence.

Brown was warned he faced a return to jail if he re-offended while on licence.

The court heard how Brown made threats to the Tesco cashier and manager, saying he was not afraid to use the weapon.

After two minutes of continual threats to harm those inside the shop, the gunman made off with a carrier bag of cash.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV, and shows how the cashier fell sobbing to her knees after the armed raider left the store.

Exmouth CID organised a large-scale investigation to identify and catch Brown.

Their break came when officers discovered a CCTV image of Brown minus the balaclava he was wearing during the armed raid. The gunman pleaded guilty in court to carrying out the robbery after he was shown the CCTV footage.

Detective sergeant Joanne Hall, of Exmouth CID, said: "This was an intense investigation which, thanks to the work of all those involved led to the arrest and charge of Brown within a week.

"This was an extremely reckless act by a man who showed no concern for the fears of those he terrified in the supermarket that evening. Thankfully no-one was hurt during the incident.

"This type of incident is extremely rare in Devon and Cornwall - the two counties remain to be one of the safest places to live in the country.