A teen charged with attacking a sales clerk at an Abbotsford convenience store last month has been sentenced to 41 months in prison.
Gurvir Mangat, 18, pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery on Friday in Abbotsford provincial court. One count of assault causing bodily harm was stayed.
Mangat has also been prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years.
Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald credited strong work by the major crime unit for the case being turned around so quickly. He said that the evidence package turned over to Crown counsel for consideration of charges was "solid."
"There is an individual who has been held responsible for that spree of robberies, which is a positive outcome for the community."
MacDonald said the quick turn-around is also a plus for the victims, who will not have to face the emotional turmoil of testifying at trial.
Among the robberies to which Mangat pleaded guilty was one on Nov. 27 at Granny's Market in the 3500 block of Gladwin Rd.
Video surveillance obtained from the scene showed Mangat sprinting across the parking lot, entering the store, leaping across the counter and attacking the 51-year-old clerk.
The woman was repeatedly punched in the face and cut with the knife that Mangat was wielding. She was treated in hospital for cuts and bruises to her face.
A passerby heard screams and entered the business, which caused Mangat to run away. He was arrested a few hours later while he was walking in the area of Blueridge Drive and Ridgeview Drive.
He was also charged with three other robberies – one on Nov. 21 at a video store in the 2700 block of Clearbrook Road, Nov. 24 at a coffee shop in the 31000 block of Maclure Road, and Nov. 26 at a gas station in the 2000 block of Clearbrook Road.
In all three incidents, he carried a knife and demanded cash.
MacDonald said although the assault charge was stayed, robbery includes the use of force.