A dozy robber who stumbled over a doormat and shot himself in the leg as he tried to carry out an off-licence raid has been jailed for eight years.

Masked Richard Blair, 23, was seriously injured and required urgent surgery after he blasted himself with the sawn-off shotgun on December 2 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he was making his way into Booze Busters in the city's West Road with two other men when the gun, which he had hidden in his jeans, went off.

The back of his leg was blown off in the blast and he still has difficulty walking.

Prosecutor Robin Patton said Blair was about to hold up the two terrified shop-workers with the sawn-off shotgun.

Mr Patton added: "This was a well planned but badly executed robbery."

Two girls working inside the story were lucky not to be shot as well, he said. "The gun had a hair trigger and even if the safety catch was on, the left barrel would be discharged, even if the gun was jolted.

"Unhappily, as he went through the door with the gun down the side of his leg and pulled it out to threaten the girls the hair trigger worked and he shot himself in the leg."

The court heard how the robbers made off in a stolen red Vauxhall Astra which was later found burnt out.

The injured Blair was then helped to a "safe house" in the East end of the city where an ambulance was called. He was taken to hospital for urgent medical help.

Blair, who has 19 previous convictions, believes he may have even pulled the trigger himself as he stumbled.

His barrister, Glen Gatland, told the court yesterday how he still has trouble walking and cannot lift his leg up above knee height. He said: "He will live with the consequences of that December night for the rest of his life."

Blair, of Shipley Avenue, Fenham, Newcastle, admitted conspiracy to rob, possession of a firearm with intent and arson.

Paul Tullin, 17, of Yewcroft Avenue, Newcastle, admitted possession of a shortened shotgun, arson and conspiracy to rob and that he did play some part in the raid.

Both were said to feel deep regret for the incident.

Judge Guy Whitburn jailed Blair for eight years and Tullin for five. A third man involved in the raid has not yet been caught.

Judge Whitburn said: "Blair, I am satisfied you were the leading light and you managed to acquire the shotgun.