A teenager with anger management problems was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a year of probation for robbing a victim of two gold chains and punching him.

Dwyia Victor Blyden, 18, of Riviera Crescent, Southampton was convicted in October of robbing Justin Graham in Southampton on October 26 last year. Yesterday he appeared for sentencing.

Defence lawyer Anthony Richardson said the fact Blyden was only 17 during the robbery was an exceptional circumstance that should permit a suspended prison sentence.

However, Crown counsel Shakira Dill countered that age was only a mitigating factor which could lessen a maximum 14-year maximum sentence for aggravated robbery, and not warrant a suspended sentence.

Ms Dill also asked for an immediate custodial sentence for the teen in order to send a message to the community that robberies would not be tolerated.

In the trial, it was revealed that Blyden approached Mr. Graham in Southampton and asked whether he tried to have his cousin attacked.

His victim denied the alleged attack but Blyden punched him in the face and fled.

Blyden admitted punching his victim in the trial. However, he steadfastly denied that he took any jewellery.

In addition, the victim admitted he did not see Blyden take any of his jewellery but said he felt his gold chain and bracelet being removed.

In Supreme Court yesterday, Mr. Richardson said although Blyden had been expelled from Berkeley Institute because of behavioural problems, he wanted to get a high school diploma and seek a sports scholarship overseas.

?Mr. Blyden throughout his childhood and teenage years has had a problem with anger management,? Mr. Richardson said. ?At the time of the offence he was a minor under the law.?

Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller asked how Blyden?s substance abuse would be addressed, but Counsel said the Department of Court Services recommended a period of probation in its pre-sentencing report, which would include drug testing.

However, there was some confusion in a courtroom packed with Blyden?s family and friends about just how long a prison sentence needed to be imposed in order for him to participate in corrective classes in prison.

?I want young Mr. Blyden to benefit from programmes available at the prison,? the judge said. ?The court cannot impose a sentence just for the sake of a sentence.?

After a short recess for Counsel to contact Prison Officials, the court heard that lifestyle classes at Westgate, including the violent offenders programme, was only available to prisoners with sentences of 18 months or more.

As a result, the judge said the appropriate sentence was one of 18 months in prison. ?It was not a well thought out robbery, but more a spur of the moment decision,? Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller said.

While at Westgate Blyden was ordered to participate in anger management, substance abuse, cognitive behaviour and counselling programmes offered by the Department of Corrections.