Knife-Wielding Irish Tourist Avoids Jail in Cannoli Theft

So a knife-wielding Irish guy walks into a Boston pastry shop, takes two cannolis, and ... somehow has avoided jail time: Prosecutors say 25-year-old Robert McTernan admitted Monday in court there were sufficient facts for a jury to find him guilty of larceny for robbing Bova's Bakery in the largely Italian North End neighborhood last Thursday. Authorities say he stole two cannolis worth about $5 while flashing a large knife.

Prosecutors agreed to reduce an armed robbery charge to larceny and offered nine months' probation. A judge ordered him to return to Ireland, where he must perform 50 hours of community service. Prosecutors say if he abides by the conditions the charge will be dismissed.