Gerald Battersby has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the June 2014 shooting rampage that nearly killed a Vancouver bike store owner.

The 63-year-old pleaded guilty last month to three counts of attempted murder and two weapons-related offences in connection with the attack, which started in Yaletown and ended with a police shootout at Science World.

His sentence, which will amount to 14.5 years behind bars with credit for time served, was handed down at a hearing Friday, where Justice Bruce Butler described Battersby's crimes as unprovoked and unexpected.

"We like to believe we live in a peaceful society. That belief was shattered on June 10," Butler told the court.

In a rare move, the judge imposed a delayed parole eligibility order that won't allow Battersby to apply until he's served half of his sentence, instead of the usual third.

Butler said the gunman invested considerable time into planning the attack, and intended to kill his initial victim.

"His actions were exceedingly violent," he said. "Had he succeeded, he undoubtedly would have faced a first-degree murder charge."

The gunman opened fire on his former landlord and employer, Paul Dragan of Reckless Bike Shop, in broad daylight two years ago, hitting his target in the chest at point-blank range.

Dragan went into cardiac arrest and lost nearly three-quarters of his blood. Fortunately, his life was saved thanks to off-duty medical professionals who rushed to his aid before first responders arrived.

After Battersby's sentencing, Dragan told reporters he's pleased with the lengthy prison term, which will help give him and his family peace of mind.

"I'm afraid if the guy gets out and he has unfinished business, well, I’m the unfinished business," Dragan said outside court.

After shooting his former boss, Batterbsy then headed along the seawall to Science World, where there was a gun battle with police that ended with him being shot in the leg and torso multiple times.

Both Crown and Battersby's defence recommended his 18-year sentence, with prosecutors arguing he has been unrepentant for his crimes and continues to present a clear danger.

Because of the gunman's age, the long prison term makes it the "equivalent of a life sentence," decreasing the chances that Battersby will again pose a threat to the public, prosecutor Henry Reiner said.

Though Battersby was criticized by the judge, Crown and his victim for not showing remorse, defence lawyer Brock Martland said his client acknowledges the severity of the crime.

"We accept that this is a very, very serious case, and it involves some very troubling incidents," he said.

Martland, who told the court Battersby was not mentally ill at the time of the attack, said his client never set out to attack police, and suggested he might not have realized the plainclothes officers were law enforcement.

He declined to speak on Battersby’s behalf when asked how the convict felt about the verdict.

On top of his prison term, Battersby was given a lifetime ban on owning firearms and ordered not to contact Dragan, his wife, or any family members or employees of Reckless Bike Shop.

With files from CTV Vancouver's Nafeesa Karim