ODWIN David, 19, of Public Road, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, was yesterday sentenced to nine months imprisonment for attempted robbery.

Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle imposed the penalty on the prisoner after he pleaded guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, on July 1, in Lombard Street, Georgetown, he made an attempt to rob Bevon Richardson of a cellular phone valued $45,000.

Police Corporal Sherwin Matthews, prosecuting, said David is not a first offender, as he was previously convicted of a similar crime, for which he is on two years probation.

The Prosecutor said the virtual complainant managed to hold on to the phone before David could have fled with it.

David admitted he tried to snatch the instrument because he does not own one.

Richardson said he was reading while sitting in a minibus when he saw David approaching the window near to him but he did not think the latter would steal from him as both of them had attended Freeburg Secondary School at the same time.

The magistrate admonished the convict to save the money he earns as a porter to buy the things he wants.