Is 8 years enough for string of armed robberies? Judge thinks maybe not

Provincial Court Judge James Walsh wants to know why a man responsible for a string of armed robberies in St. John's should only get eight years in prison. 

• Sean Frampton implicated in 3 more armed robberies
• Sean Frampton shot multiple times on Boyle Street

Sean Frampton, 27, held-up four convenience stores in the city between August and November of 2014, and the CIBC bank in Churchill Square in St. John's on Nov. 29 of that year.

During the bank holdup, Frampton wore a wig, sunglasses, and a baseball cap.

He didn't know it, but the bank employees gave him $400 in marked bills.

The police responded quickly, and Frampton was caught nearby with the money and the clothing. He has been in prison ever since his arrest.

Earlier in April, Frampton pleaded guilty to the armed robberies, being disguised, and breaches of court orders.

On Thursday, Crown prosecutor Patricia Carpenter suggested Frampton get eight years in prison. Frampton's lawyer, Kevin Baker, agreed.

But Judge James Walsh indicated that could be low, given that Frampton should get five years for the bank robbery itself, and three for just one of the store robberies. 

Walsh said he's not necessarily rejecting the eight years, but told the lawyers to go find case law from Newfoundland and Labrador courts to back up their sentencing recommendation. 

Frampton is back in court June 29 to continue his sentencing hearing. 

During the bank holdup, and three of the convenience store robberies, Frampton used a knife. For one of the store robberies, he had a machete.

This is the same Sean Frampton who was shot during the fall of 2014 on Boyle Street in St. John's, and lost a finger.