JOHN Chung was yesterday sentenced to 12 months in prison when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson charged with attempt to commit a felony.
Chung, 42, of 225 South Road, Lacytown, told the court he is HIV positive and is also diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Particulars of the charge, to which Chung pleaded guilty, said on May 30 last, at South Road, he attempted to commit robbery under arms.
Police Inspector Stephen Telford, prosecuting, said the virtual complainant is a policeman and was absent in court because of being involved in training. He asked the magistrate to exercise her discretion even though this is not an excuse for being absent.
Telford said the virtual complainant was walking along South Road when the defendant approached him and asked for $20. After the virtual complainant refused, the defendant held him up with a metal object and demanded that he hand over all his money.
“I was under the influence of alcohol. I have HIV and TB, and I miss my treatment. I get delirious and I miss my treatment due to stress. Sometimes I does lose my head. I just flip like. I just want to finish the matter. Give me something small like a two or three months,” the defendant said.