Irish tourist accused of US armed robbery

Prosecutors say that hours after Robert McTernan (25), of Newbridge, Co Kildare, landed in Boston for a two-week holiday, he entered Bovas Bakery in the city's North End.

They allege that he walked into the bakery around 3.30am on Thursday and picked up a kitchen knife.

It is claimed that he then walked up to a bakery worker and demanded a cheese pastry. The worker handed it over then called police.

Officers found him outside and arrested him on an armed robbery charge. They could not find a knife.

McTernan pleaded not guilty at Boston Municipal Court, where a judge granted him $2,000 (€1,524) cash bail.

He was ordered to surrender his passport and is due back in court next week.

A local TV station showed surveillance film of what it said was the Irishman walking into the bakery and eating a pastry on the way out.

The story was carried by media outlets across America.

mlavery@herald.ie