Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy on Thursday deferred imposition of sentence for a Kalispell man for three years for a felony robbery.

The sentence means George Anthony Magrath, 25, will be under the supervision of probation and parole officials for the next three years, but if he manages to stay out of trouble during that time, the conviction will disappear from his record. Magrath also was ordered to pay $20.50 in restitution.

Magrath pleaded guilty to robbery earlier this year. According to court documents, Magrath and a woman failed to pay for drinks from the deli of a Kalispell grocery store on June 16. Magrath refused to pay for the items and tried to walk past an employee who attempted to stop him.

He told the employee, “don’t make me pull my gun,” and he allegedly reached for his waistband. Employees were able to grab Magrath’s arms and secure a semi-automatic pistol with five rounds in its magazine. The gun had been tucked into the front of Magrath’s pants.

Employees told police they were fearful Magrath would reach for and use his gun.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].