Convicted armed robber Reid Jones was yesterday given a seven year jail term for his part in last summer's Bank Of Butterfield heist.

Jones, 25, of Manchester Street, Sandys, had already confessed to taking part in the robbery at the bank's Somerset branch last July.

Crown Counsel Brian Calhoun told the court how Reid and an accomplice entered the bank on the morning of July 8 wearing masks and padded coats.

He went on to explain how two bank staff were pistol whipped by Reid's accomplice who then grabbed a money bag containing about $70,000.

But the pair were quickly apprehended after their getaway car was blocked by patrol vehicles and they had to make their escape on foot.

Asking for a sentence of between eight and ten years to be passed, Mr. Calhoun agreed that Reid played only a secondary role in the robbery.

But he urged Chief Justice Austin Ward to guard against leniency in what he called "in increasing problem in the community''.

"I am not suggesting that the maximum sentence of 14 years should apply here and certainly Jones cooperated with the Police,'' Mr. Calhoun said.

"But this court is only too well aware of what's become an increasing problem in this community -- and I use that phrase quite deliberately -- of armed robberies on susceptible victims.

"Those institutions that carry cash, from banks to variety stalls, are sitting ducks and courts have consistently indicated that a deterrent sentence is required. Bermuda cannot tolerate this type of criminal activity.'' Attorney Mark Telemaque, representing Jones, stressed the minor role his client played in the robbery.

Describing Jones as a "reluctant participant'' Mr. Telemaque said: "There was a significant degree of duress and it's quite clear that this young man wasn't a ringleader or conspirator.'' "He had nothing to do with the plan, he was caught up in this and he now has to pay the price for making a bad choice.'' Before sentence was passed Jones, dressed in a swanky dark suit, offered his apologies to the court.

In a calm voice he said: "I have a beautiful five-year-old daughter who I was trying to support.

"I was depressed and desperate and when this crime was offered I compromised my true convictions and proper upbringing. I am not trying to make excuses or justify what I have done I just want you to know how I was thinking and feeling at that time.'' Sentencing Jones, Chief Justice Austin Ward said: "I have taken into consideration your guilty plea and expression of remorse and your cooperation with the Police.

"But robbery is a serious offence and armed robbery is even more serious, particularly so in places such as Bermuda in which the carrying of firearms is strictly prohibited.'' A second man, Randolph Lightbourne, 31, of Devonshire, is currently in custody charged with carrying out the robbery along with possession of a firearm and attempting to do grievous bodily harm.