THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
In The Court of Appeals

The State,        Respondent,

v.

Mark Anthony Owens,        Appellant.

Appeal From York County
Paul E. Short, Jr., Circuit Court Judge

Unpublished Opinion No. 2003-UP-623
Submitted August 20, 2003 – Filed October 21, 2003

APPEAL DISMISSED

Chief Attorney Daniel T. Stacey, of Columbia, for Appellant.

Attorney General Henry Dargan McMaster, Chief Deputy Attorney General John W. McIntosh and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Charles H. Richardson, all of Columbia; and Solicitor Thomas E. Pope, of York, for Respondent.

PER CURIAM:  Mark Anthony Owens was charged with attempted armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.  The court directed a verdict on possession of a firearm.  The jury convicted him on the other three charges.  The judge sentenced him to life without parole for attempted armed robbery, ten years for possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime charge and five years for criminal conspiracy.  Owens’ appellate counsel filed a brief pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967).  Counsel additionally submitted a petition to be relieved from representation, asserting there are no directly appealable issues of arguable merit.  Owens filed a pro se response with the Court.

After a review of the record pursuant to Anders and State v. Williams, 305 S.C. 116, 406 S.E.2d 357 (1991), we dismiss the appeal and grant counsel’s petition to be relieved. [1]

APPEAL DISMISSED.

HEARN, C.J., CONNOR and ANDERSON, JJ., concur.