A 30-year-old Devonshire man yesterday pleaded guilty to robbing a visting English couple at knifepoint last year.

His punishment was put off pending a social inquiry report.

Marvin Lee Woolridge, of Loyal Hill, admitted that he threatened violence while armed with a knife and robbed Ian and Barbara MacKenzie of more than $500.

He is being represented by Mr. Archie Warner.

Crown Counsel Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo told the court that on February 17, 1993 Ian MacKenzie, 64, and Barbara MacKenzie, 61, were walking along the railway trail in Devonshire when they saw a male motor cyclist ride pass them in the opposite direction.

He turned around, came up behind and stopped.

Woolridge grabbed Mr. MacKenzie by the shirt, held a knife to his throat and demanded their wallets. When Mrs. Mackenzie began to flee, Woolridge told her to come back or her husband would die.

After receiving the goods the man turned his cycle around and rode off.

Among the property stolen from the MacKenzies was $80 in cash and 30 pounds sterling, a pair of binoculars, a camera and accessories, eye glasses and credit cards.

A local businessman found them in distress and took the couple to the Police.

Woolridge was arrested within an hour of the MacKenzies describing him to Police, said Mr. Tokunbo.

Mr. Tokunbo also told the court that as a result of the robbery, Barbara MacKenzie suffered acute anxiety and received treatment at St. Brendan's Hospital.

Puisne Judge the Hon. Justice Meerabux ordered a social inquiry report which will be read on November 15. He was remanded in custody.