Bova Bakery Does Not Press Charges Against Cannoli Robber

In the wake of an Irish tourist coming into his bakery and demanding cannoli, Ralph Bova always said he cared much more about his staff than a baked good.

The owner of A. Bova & Sons Modern Bakery on Salem Street is showing where his heart really lies once again by not pressing charges against Robert McTernan.

According to an article published in the Boston Herald today, 25-year-old McTernan was in Boston Municipal Court on Monday where he admitted there was enough evidence from his robbery of Bova's for a jury to find him guilty of larceny under $250.

Bova said last week that it was terrifying for his staff working that night to see McTernan flash a 12-inch knife. However, the weapon was never found by police.

Yesterday, prosecutors agreed to reduce a charge of armed robbery to larceny and offered nine month’s probation in exchange for McTernan admitting to robbing the Salem Street bakery of two cannolis. 

Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley, said Judge Thomas Horgan banned McTernan from returning to the bakery and ordered him to return to Ireland in the custody of his parents, who flew to Boston to collect him.  McTernan, who Wark said has no criminal history in his native country, must also perform 50 hours of community service in Ireland and undergo treatment for substance abuse.

When North End Patch caught up with Bova just hours after the robbery, he said he was relieved no one was hurt.

"I care much more about my employees than a cannoli," he said.