A Scranton man will be spending more time in county prison for beating up and robbing another man after they had just met and struck up a conversation at the Thirsty Camel bar in West Scranton.
Appearing before Judge Vito P. Geroulo in a tan prison jumpsuit Wednesday, Michael Lyons, 28, was sentenced to six to 23 months and ordered to pay back the $150 he stole from the victim, Carlos Reyes.
At first impression, Mr. Reyes thought Mr. Lyons "seemed like a nice guy," so he bought him a few beers at the Thirsty Camel on Sept. 4, city police said.
After the bartender began closing for the night, Mr. Lyons invited Mr. Reyes to come over his 209 Emmett St. home for a few more drinks.
But on the way back, Mr. Lyons "sucker punched" him in the face, kicked him in the head, told him to hand over his money and tried to take his cellphone, police said.
When Mr. Reyes fought back, Mr. Lyons pulled out a knife and made off with his wallet, which had $150 and a debit card in it.
In court Wednesday before he was sentenced, Mr. Lyons offered Mr. Reyes his "deepest sympathies." He has been in prison for nearly five months on three counts of felony robbery and one count each of receiving stolen property and simple assault, both misdemeanors.
He pleaded guilty to one of the robbery counts in November.
Judge Geroulo asked why he knocked Mr. Reyes out.
Mr. Lyons admitted he was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs but said he can't place the "blame" on that alone and must take responsibility for his actions.
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