An Irish tourist has robbed a bakery in Boston and stolen two pastries worth around five US dollars

An Irish tourist accused of wielding a knife during the theft of two pastries from an Italian bakery in Boston has avoided jail.

Prosecutors said 25-year-old Robert McTernan, of Newbridge, Co. Kildare, admitted in court there were sufficient facts for a jury to find him guilty of the crime at Bova's Bakery in the largely Italian North End district last Thursday.

He was accused of stealing two cannolis worth about five dollars 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 said if he abides by the conditions the charge will be dismissed.

PA