A man suspected of holding up a pizza restaurant with a sawed-off shotgun last year was sentenced Friday to a further six months in jail.

Tyler John Hartman, 32, who had already been in custody for nine months, received the term in Prince George provincial court after pleading guilty to three firearms-related counts and a count of possessing a break in instrument.

Hartman was arrested shortly after police were called to a report of a late-night armed robbery on Oct. 15, 2011 at the Westwood Drive restaurant.

He was found on the grounds of nearby Westwood elementary school carrying a sawed-off shotgun, break-in tools and a duffel bag. There were four shells in the shotgun, the court heard Friday, but none were in the chamber.

"This could have gone very, very badly," said Prince George provincial court judge Victor Galbraith prior to sentencing. "Fortunately, it didn't and the accused cooperated with police upon being arrested."

Hartman, who suffers from a bipolar disorder and had been using methamphetamine at the time, apologized to the court for his actions saying he wants to get his life turned around and to become a productive member of society.

Crown and defence counsels had suggested a sentence of 12 to 18 months less time served. No robbery-related charges were ever laid against Hartman, who continues to face charges from incidents in Alberta.