SPRINGFIELD - David Leonard Williams, 40, was sentenced Friday to seven to eight years in state prison for armed robbery followed by three years more incarceration for violation of probation on a past case.

Williams, 40, of 18 Alderman St., has battled a life long crack addition, his lawyer Marissa Elkins said.

Assistant District Attorney Ingrid Frau said on Aug. 12, 2013, the woman who with her husband owned Little Panda restaurant at 166 White St., heard a noise. She saw a large man jump over the counter and she ran out into the parking lot yelling.

After she saw the man leave she went back in and pressed the hold up alarm.

Frau said police saw on video surveillance Williams take a knife on his pocket.

Though video surveillance the owners were able to point to Williams as the suspect.

He admitted he robbed the restaurant saying he didn't recall taking out a knife but he carries a knife.

Williams had been on probation at the time of the robbery for a past assault with a dangerous weapon and unarmed robbery.

Frau asked Hampden Superior Court Judge Richard J. Carey to sentence Williams to seven to nine years followed by three to five years on the probation violation.