Watch: Masked robber targets 'stoic' store clerk with toy gun in terrifying robbery

In the early hours of June 9, 23-year-old Corey Li and an unknown accomplice, wearing masks, hoods and gloves, went to the Asda Express branch, 320 metres from Li's own home in Rhostyllen near Wrexham.

Video footage shows Li pointing an imitation gun at the petrol station worker's face and firing it over his shoulder. The two men ordered the worker to open the till before stealing cash and cigarettes, tobacco and e-cigarettes worth over a thousand pounds.

They made off on foot. Footage of the raid was reviewed and Li was recognised by a police officer who knew him by his eyebrows, Mold Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Li, of Tudor Avenue, Rhostyllen, turned himself in to police in the days following the raid and was charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty.

Both the judge and the prosecution attorney pointed to the employee’s “stoicism” when he faced the two robbers.

Prosecutor Oliver King said in court that it was a “frightening situation because [the employee] didn’t know what these two men were capable of.”

A video of the shocking incident shows Li gesturing as he points the gun at the clerk and briefly turning around to shoot at a wall while his accomplice fills a bag with cigarettes and tobacco behind the counter.

The two men then searched drawers and cash registers for cash and smoking materials and then fled on foot.

Judge Nicola Saffman told Li: “You pointed the gun directly at [the employee]'s face. They then took money from the cash register, cigarettes, tobacco and e-cigarettes.

“[He] is to be commended for his stoic attitude and calm approach to what you have done.”

She noted Li's “sincere remorse” and acknowledged that he had written a “very clear” letter to the court about his circumstances.

The court heard that Li had already been convicted four times for six criminal offenses, including twice for violent crimes.

Judge Saffman imposed a prison sentence of three years and nine months.

After the verdict, North Wales Police investigating officer Detective Constable Andrew Vaughan said: “This was an incredibly frightening and distressing experience for the victim, who was threatened at gunpoint while carrying out her job.”

“Incidents of this nature are very rare in Wrexham and I have no doubt that Wrexham will be a safer community with Li behind bars.

“The second person involved in the robbery has still not been identified and we continue to urge anyone with information that may assist our identification enquiries or anyone who recognises him in the footage to contact us.

“You can speak to us via our website or call 101 quoting reference number 24000511887. You can also contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers anonymously.”