A 22-year-old Rice man was found guilty of malicious wounding and petty larceny Tuesday in a jury trial in Prince Edward Circuit Court.

Charles Allen Carter III was originally charged with robbery and malicious wounding following the December incident, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney James Ennis. The robbery charge was reduced to petty larceny, he said.

“The jury recommended a sentence of five years on the malicious wounding and just a fine on the petty larceny,” Ennis said.

There’s no sentencing date set, he said.

According to Ennis, Carter allegedly struck the victim from behind while standing outside of a convenience store in December, cutting the victim on his ear, causing temporary hearing loss.

“It was after that blow was rendered that he took the adult beverage from the victim which led to the original robbery charge. …,” Ennis said.