A Welcome Bay man convicted of attempting to rob the Waihi Mobil station and Park Road Dairy in Katikati is sentenced to six years' imprisonment.

George Rapatini, 22, also known as George Matthews, appeared for sentencing in Tauranga District Court today after he was found guilty by a jury of two counts of assault with intent to rob in February.

George Rapatini appears for sentencing in Tauranga District Court today.

On June 18 2012, Matthews, along with his brother Rastaman Rapatini and a third man Jeremiah Reti, wore masks and brandished weapons in an attempt to rob the Mobil station.

The court heard how prior to the attempted robbery the trio were staying with family in Katikati where they openly discussed plans to rob the Waihi Mobil as they believed there would be about $40,000 onsite from the weekend's takings.

Early in the morning, about 5.45am, the three went to the Mobil where the sole female attendant was setting up for the day.

They made her take them behind the counter in an attempt to gain cash, but the security locks meant they were unable to get away with any money. The store attendant was kicked in the stomach during the incident, before the three fled the station.

The court heard how as the three drove away there was a decision made to attempt to rob the Katikati dairy instead.

In sentencing today, Crown prosecutor Hayley Sheridan says the lead offence in the charges is the planned and premeditated robbery attempt on the Mobil, while the Katikati diary was an afterthought.

In both cases the victims – a man and a woman – were both left traumatised with the woman finding out she was pregnant soon after being kicked in the stomach during the attack.

Hayley says an appropriate starting point for the attempted Mobil robbery is between five and five and a half years, with an extra two years added on for the second robbery attempt.

Rapatini's lawyer Harry Edward feels the crown's starting point is appropriate, but says the difference between Rapatini and his brother is the lack of previous convictions and age at the time of the offence – Rapatini was 19-years-old.

'My friend [Hayley] says five to five and a half years, I was probably a bit more harsh than that but are in that general area,” says Harry.

Rapatini's brother Rastaman Rapatini is currently serving a six year prison term for his role in the attempted robberies.

Judge Rollo agrees with the crown's starting point of seven years, but does concede because Rapatini is the younger of the two brothers he would have been influenced to take part.

'Your adherence to family values is strong and that might be why you are here today,” Judge Rollo told Rapatini.

'You were part of the planning for these attempted aggravated robberies.”

On the lead charge of assault with intent to rob the Mobil service station Judge Rollo sentenced Rapatini to six years in prison and two years for the second charge, to be served concurrently.