A raider who assaulted a convenience store owner with a gun has had his sentence increased.

Jon Shirley attacked retailer Paul McLoughlin in his Wheatley Londis store in Oxfordshire last February, leaving him with a bruised face and requiring eight stitches in the head.

Shirley was sentenced to six-and-a-half years for armed robbery and possession of an imitation firearm in June of this year. Unhappy with this lenient sentence, Thames Valley Police referred the case to the Attorney General’s office for consideration under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing procedure. The case was reviewed and Shirley was given a new sentence of nine years.

Det Insp Simon Morton of Thames Valley CID said: “On behalf of the victims I’m really pleased the sentence now reflects his offences. I hope this helps the victims come to terms with what has happened and that they’ve now seen justice.”

As well as attacking Paul, Shirley had robbed a petrol station at gunpoint and invaded the home of an elderly couple. He had also been linked with several other armed robberies in the area and Thames Valley Police are no longer looking for anyone in connection with these incidents.