A man who admitted he helped rob the Blue Crab restaurant in Pawleys Island in 2010 walked out of the courtroom a free man Thursday.

Brian Dennison, 40, of Pawleys Island pled guilty in court Tuesday but was not sentenced until Thursday.

He was originally charged with armed robbery but pled guilty to attempted armed robbery and could have received up to 20 years in prison.

Circuit Court Judge Edward Miller began Thursday’s hearing by asking Dennison what he had for supper Wednesday evening.

“I had steak,” Dennison answered.

Miller sentenced Dennison to 389 days but was given credit for the time he has already served in jail — which was 389 days so he was allowed to leave after the hearing.

Dennison was arrested minutes after the Sept. 1 robbery as he was trying to flee the scene in a car with the license tag covered with a plastic bag, which was noticed by a passing law enforcement officer.

His alleged accomplice was 24 year old Joe Vereen, also of Pawleys Island. After a quick trial Tuesday, Vereen was found not guilty by a jury.

The Sheriff’s Office maintained it was Vereen who was holding the gun when the two robbed restaurant manager Jim Rogers, who was trying to leave the restaurant for the evening but was forced back inside.

Dennison fled the restaurant when his accomplice held Rogers at gunpoint.

He testified on behalf of the state during Vereen’s trial.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com