yesterday.

Ronald Raymond Wilson, of Friswells Road, Devonshire, pleaded guilty in Supreme Court to assault with intent to rob, attempted robbery, and wearing a mask to disguise his face at the Harrington Hundreds grocery store on June 29 last year.

The store's co-owner Anthony Aguiar was injured in the incident.

But an unlawful wounding charge against Wilson was later dropped.

"I'm truly sorry for what happened to Mr. Aguiar. I never intended for anyone to get hurt,'' the 26-year-old told Chief Justice Mr. Austin Ward yesterday.

"I hope that one day he can find it in his heart to forgive me.'' Defence lawyer Peter Farge said Wilson supported a daughter and been struggling with a drug addiction for years. Mr. Farge also said the wounding of Mr. Aguiar resulted from his confronting Wilson with karate blows.

Mr. Justice Ward noted Wilson's remorse and desire to be treated for his drug problem, but went on to point out the seriousness of the charges and the need to deter others. He imposed a six-year prison term for assault with intent to rob, three years for wearing a mask, and 18 months for attempted robbery.

The sentences are to run concurrently.