'Remarkable courage': Shopkeeper hospitalised after trapping thieves in store

A shopkeeper who trapped a gang of thieves in his own store before police arrived has been praised for his "remarkable courage".

Rami al-Hassnawi was behind the counter at his southwest Sydney tobacco store when four men armed with a knife and meat cleaver entered the store.

CCTV footage shows Mr al-Hassnawi being jumped on as he huddled on the floor.

The masked thieves also stash cash and cigarettes into a bag.

However, Mr al-Hassnawi then pressed an alarm which locked the doors and alerted police, and the men soon realised they were trapped.

The men ransacked the store in an attempt to flee, even hacking at the door with the meat cleaver before officers arrive with their guns drawn.

Mr al-Hassnawi, a 53-year-old Iraqi refugee, was hospitalised for his injuries.

However, despite his cuts and bruises he was back behind the counter in days.

Three of his attackers were today jailed for at least 10 months.

Sentencing judge Jon Williams said Mr al-Hassnawi had displayed "remarkable courage" in pressing the alarm despite knowing he would be locked in with his attackers.