Courthouse watch: 10.6.09

A man scheduled to accept a plea deal in an OxyContin robbery will instead go to trial on all charges after asking for a delay today.

Nicholas A. Blessing, 29, posted $15,000 bond yesterday, then told his public defender, Jeff Compton, he needed more time before being sentenced today.

Deputy Prosecutor Dale Nagy refused to delay the sentencing and said he would instead pursue all four charges, plus weapons enhancements. He had offered a plea deal that called for Blessing to plead guilty to one count of first-degree robbery and the state to dismiss the three counts of second-degree assault against three Walgreens employees.

Blessing turned himself in June 29 for the June 16 robbery at the Walgreens at 2105 E. Wellesley Ave.

Surveillance photos clearly show Blessing walking into the store about 5 p.m. Employees said he pointed a gun at them and demanded OxyContin, then banged the base of the gun on the counter and stated, “hurry up. Hurry up. I’m not kidding,” according to a probable cause affidavit.

Blessing, who’s set to go to trial Nov. 2, faces significantly more time if convicted on all four charges, and even more once the weapons enhancements are considered. He declined comment after court.