A young robber who struck in Winchester was jailed for six years yesterday.

Danny Doyle, aged 19, protested his innocence and, as he was led away, he turned and said: "Can I give my mum a cuddle, please?" The doors at the back of the court to the cells opened, and Doyle said: "I love you, mum, I love you."

His devastated family in the public gallery broke down and wept.

Doyle, of West Croydon, South London, was part of an armed gang that terrorised staff and customers at the One Stop in Garbett Road, Winnall last September. He acted as a lookout.

He was convicted by a jury by a majority of 11-1 of robbery, possessing a firearm with intent, but cleared of possession of an imitation firearm with intent. The jury took six hours 40 minutes to reach its verdicts.

Co-accused Daniel McLean (20), of Kennington, South London, admitted the three charges. He was due to be sentenced yesterday, but that was adjourned to April 6th to allow time for his family to attend the hearing.

Nick Tucker, defending Doyle, said his client had helped the police locate the guns soon after his arrest in a back garden in Chesil Street.

Passing sentence at the end of the seven-day trial, Judge Patrick Hooton said: "Anyone who gets in a train in London and comes to Winchester with firearms in a gang to rob a shop is looking at a very serious custodial sentence.

"The jury verdict shows you were a part of it. You were seen carrying the bag with guns inside and were outside the shop when others went in and put everyone in fear of their lives."

A third man, Omar Brown (25) whooped in delight, looking upwards and crying: "Thank you, God", as the jury cleared him on three charges. He had protested that he had simply travelled to Winchester to ensure that another man, Paul Douglas, who has never been arrested, paid him some money that he owed.

The court was told that the robbers asked taxi-driver, James Hammond, to drive to Spitfire End, Winnall and wait for them. He had no idea he was to be used as a getaway car.

When they arrived, Mr Hammond grew suspicious and ordered them out on Alresford Road. The gang ran into Baring Road and then across St Giles Hill, but three were cornered and captured by police.