Aiden Rhys Carter, 23, was staying at the Bounty Motor Lodge, a former motel being used for homeless people on the Princes Highway at Bomaderry, at the time of the robbery.

Court papers said the Woolworths Caltex Service Station at which the robbery took part was across the Prince Highway from the complex.

Carter pleaded guilty to robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon in February.

The robbery took place on October 23, 2013. Carter, armed with a pistol, entered the service station, demanding money before robbing the console operator of $300 cash.

Police said during the robbery Carter grabbed the 22-year-old console operator by the left arm and dragged him behind the counter and ordered him to get money from the till.

Police said Carter stood behind the man at the till, with the pistol pointed at his head.

Once given the cash, he allegedly left the service station, still pointing the gun at the man, who was cowering behind the counter.

The whole incident was captured on CCTV.

Shoalhaven detectives established Strike Force Ganora to investigate the robbery.

Through investigations they found CCTV footage of Carter entering the service station earlier in the day of the robbery and were able to identify him following the incident because he was wearing the same clothing.

Carter appeared before Judge Charteris in Nowra District Court and was sentenced to two years and three months’ jail, with a non-parole period of 15 months.

He will be eligible for release from May 2019.