NASHUA – A Superior Court judge this week told 18-year-old defendant Alexander Crockett he’s “obviously a smart guy” who, especially given his age, has “a lot of potential.”

But if Crockett continues “to do crazy things like robbing a man at knifepoint,” Judge Jacalyn Colburn continued, “you will be doing life (in prison) on the installment plan.”

Colburn delivered words of both encouragement and warning to Crockett during the plea and sentencing hearing, during which the young Nashua man agreed to plead guilty to two felony charges in exchange for serving roughly five and a half months in jail.

The charges – one count each of robbery and second-degree assault – stem from a Jan. 4 incident in which Crockett put a knife to another man’s eye and cheek area and lacerated the man’s eyelid, while demanding the man give up “everything you’ve got” and “give me your wallet,” according to the indictments.

Authorities arrested Crockett several weeks later, according to reports at the time. The incident took place on Stevens Avenue, a short, dead-end street off Ledge Street.

Upon entering guilty pleas, Crockett received a sentence of nine months in Valley Street jail in Manchester on the second-degree assault charge, and a term of 2-4 years in New Hampshire State Prison, all suspended for three years, on the robbery charge.

Crockett received credit for the 114 days he’s spent in jail, leaving him with just over five months to serve.

The sentencing orders include a one-year probation period, effective upon Crockett’s release from jail.

He also must participate in any counseling, treatment or educational programs as recommended by corrections officials, have no contact with the victim, and otherwise remain on good behavior.

Crockett, who was represented Thursday by attorney Marc Gouthro, appeared a bit hesitant at first to go through with the hearing, prompting Colburn to suggest he and Gouthro discuss the matter.

Colburn reminded Crockett that he has the right to opt out of the plea agreement and take the matter to trial, but after a few more minutes consulting with Gouthro, he elected to go forward with the hearing.

Assistant County Attorney Cassie Devine, who prosecuted the case, said she’d spoken by phone with the victim and that he was “reluctant to testify” if the matter went to trial.

Gouthro, speaking on behalf of Crockett, said his client is a recent high school graduate who “is intent on bettering his life, and moving forward.”

Crockett opted not to address the court.

“It’s a good thing you’re not going to State Prison today,” Colburn said at the outset of her sentencing remarks.

“It’s also a good thing you have a sentence hanging over your head,” she added, referring to the suspended State Prison sentence.

It’s time, Colburn said, that Crockett “start making the right choices. So do what’s right … get some more education – get a good job.”

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-1256, dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_DeanS.