A man who brandished a toy gun and robbed the daughter of deputy Opposition leader Mr. Walter Roberts was jailed yesterday for five years.

Randolph Anthony Simons, said to have been devastated by losing his job, was also ordered to receive psychological counselling in prison.

Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice (Austin) Ward told Simons his mind was "messed up''.

"You clearly need counselling to help you think straight,'' he said.

Moments earlier, Simons apologised to his victim, Lisa Roberts, saying he did not mean to hurt her. "I ask the court in Jesus's name to have compassion,'' he said.

Simons, of Kitchener Close, Sandys, was said to have been struggling against debts, and a drug problem.

The unemployed 27-year-old pleaded guilty to robbing Roberts last October.

The Supreme Court heard how he forced Roberts to hand over $10,167 in payroll funds.

Crown Counsel Mr. Brian Calhoun said Roberts had left a branch of the Bank of Bermuda in Somerset at about 10.30 a.m.

She had picked up the money, intending to deliver it to her employer, SKB Coating Ltd.

"This pick-up and delivery of payroll funds is part of Ms Roberts' weekly routine.

"As she was leaving the area, the defendant approached her car and asked for a lift to SKB.

"After entering the passenger seat and the car being put in motion, the defendant produced a handgun which appeared genuine to Ms Roberts.

"He then placed this weapon against Ms Roberts' side. Ms Roberts then drove to various locations at the defendant's direction.'' Mr. Calhoun said Simons then ordered Ms Roberts to "give it to me.'' When asked "what'', he replied: "You know what''.

"Ms Roberts then turned over the bank payroll bag which she had previously placed in her purse. The defendant then fled on foot.'' Mr. Calhoun said Simons was arrested shortly afterwards at his sister's home nearby.

"A search of this house also turned up the stolen money and a plastic imitation handgun.

"The defendant claimed that he committed this robbery to pay off some bills.'' Investigating officer Det. Con. Simon Watkinson said the plastic gun was the type which could be bought in a toy shop.

Simons' lawyer Mr. Delroy Duncan said his client was full of remorse and contrition for what he had done.

He said Simons, fed up because he had lost his job and had debts of over $2,000, had been drinking rum, scotch, and beer before the offence.

Mr. Duncan said Simons had told his probation officer: "I could not get a job anywhere. I filled out a number of applications without success.'' Added Mr. Duncan: "This was a young man at his last point -- at his wit's end.'' Simons had also been emotionally unbalanced by a relationship with a girl which had turned sour, claimed Mr. Duncan.

Mr. Duncan said Simons had taken the replica gun from his nephew, and had told Roberts he would not hurt her.