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--> --> No kidnap conviction for couple ROSEBURG (AP) - It might have been a split verdict. But for Brian and Ruth Christine, the jury's decision spelled total defeat. The couple, who sought to reunite their family with the help of a gun, will remain apart after a Douglas County jury convicted them Friday of robbery, custodial interference and unlawful use of a state vehicle when they took their three daughters from state social workers and fled to Montana. The Christines were acquitted of felony kidnapping charges. Under Measure 11 guidelines, the Christines, both 29, face minimum prison sentences of 7 1/2 years on the robbery charges. Brian Christine will face an additional five years for using a firearm during the crime. Outside the courtroom, defense attorney Edgar Steele said he was prepared for convictions on the lesser charges but was "stunned" that the jury found his clients guilty of robbery. "Brian and Ruth Christine are good people," Steele said. "They deserved better than this." The Christines showed no emotion as the verdict was read. Ruth Christine turned to her mother-in-law, Teri Christine, who was sitting among supporters, and whispered, "I love you guys." Later, as the defendants discussed possible sentencing dates with their lawyer, Ruth Christine started sobbing and breathing heavily. Brian Christine, sitting next to his wife, tried to comfort her, but a sheriff's deputy separated them. Sentencing was scheduled for May 28 before Circuit Judge William Lasswell. Prosecutor Rick Wesenberg said he had not decided whether to ask for the sentences to be served concurrently or consecutively. "I'm not being cagey. I don't know," he said. "I haven't digested this all myself." The robbery charges stemmed from the theft of the van and the case workers' personal effects inside. The jury agreed with the defense that kidnapping charges did not apply, since the workers were told to move away from the car - not taken anywhere. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing