his life in order.

Joshua Weston Butler, 26, of Glebe Road, will serve 20 months in prison after pleading guilty in the Supreme Court to charges of robbery and disguising his face with intent to commit a felony.

Crown counsel Patrick Doherty told the court that at noon on August 5, an employee at the Clearview Guest House in Hamilton Parish saw Butler enter the establishment wearing a helmet with a red scarf over his face.

She said he approached her brandishing a small knife and asked: "Where's the money?'' When he could not get the money he demanded Butler grabbed the woman by her hair and shook her violently. She went in and came back with the cash box which contained around $43.

The woman screamed and ran out of the office. But as she turned she saw him sever the telephone lines. Another employee heard the screams and saw Butler leaving the office. He chased him onto the Railway Trail but Butler was able to escape on a motorcycle.

The next day Butler turned himself in to Police and was arrested for the offence.

During proceedings, Det. Con. Andrew Woolridge said Butler turned himself in and was cooperative in helping the Police at the scene of the crime by pointing out evidence, such as a grey T-shirt he wore over his face.

Det. Con. Woolridge also said Butler showed remorse for what he had done.

"To me it seemed that he was genuine, that he was upset that he had done something like that,'' he said.

George Edward Fisher, of Prison Fellowship, who knew Butler through attending the same church, spoke on Butler's behalf, saying: "Butler was a star in Bible study. There is a good deal of commendable qualities in Butler. I believe he has a lot to offer. I also believe that though he has a strong stature, he is easily led. He needs help, both drug (rehabilitation) and counselling.'' Tyrone Chin, Butler's lawyer, suggested a lighter sentence and said Butler had been in numerous drug rehabilitation programmes and that he was successful for long periods of time.

He told the court that Butler showed genuine remorse for what he had done. He stated that although Butler had a weapon, it was a small knife and he used it to scare the victim and did not intend to use it to cause harm.

Butler also apologised for his behaviour.

He said a lack of a father role in his life at an early age set him on the path he had taken.

"I was never really taught the responsibility of life,'' he said. "I carried that into my adult life. Prison never offered me (an extended) drug rehabilitation programme. I had to seek one out for myself.

"It's not a problem to get clean. It is a problem to live clean and meet the everyday responsibilities. No support made it easier to fall back into my old ways. I felt powerless. I gave in to the devil.'' Quoting scriptures, he vowed to make a new start and stick to it.

Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons said: "My responsibility is to protect the public. How will I know these words you so eloquently said will carry you through those dry times? I have to consider that you will relapse to that drug induced thinking.'' Before sentencing Butler, Ms Justice Simmons said: "You can consider this your last chance.'' She sentenced Butler to 20 months for the robbery, which carried a maximum sentence of 14 years, and nine months for the count of concealing his face.

The sentences are to run concurrently. She also ordered that he receive drug treatment while in prison.