Botched robber sentenced to 7 years

VICTORVILLE • A man who attempted to rob a liquor store but was shot by the clerk was sentenced to seven years in state prison Friday morning.

Phillip Charles Brown, wearing an orange jump suit, stood up from his seat to make a speech, asking Judge Miriam Morton to release him for two weeks before he starts serving his sentence. Brown, 21, spoke eloquently that he needed the time to give back money to donors, who contributed to a non-profit organization that Brown headed. He said he also wanted to say good-bye to his two small children.

But Morton denied the request, stating that his choice could have easily brought death and that his crime makes him a threat to society.

“You can’t go back and take it back,” Morton said.

He received three years for attempted robbery and an additional four years for use of a gun.

Armed with a handgun, Brown entered Lucerne Valley Liquor store on Old Woman Springs Road on Dec. 22 and demanded money. But the store clerk drew a handgun and shot Brown in the wrist and buttocks. Brown appeared in court with a bandage on his left forearm on Friday.

His accomplice, Robert Charles Kerns, 23, was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

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Tomoya Shimura may be reached at tshimura@VVDailyPress.com or (760) 955-5368.