Attempt to Steal Shrimp Lands Man Prison Term

An attempt to steal $300 worth of shrimp from a supermarket has landed a Massachusetts man a five-year prison sentence.

The Telegram & Gazette reports that John Pinard of Spencer was sentenced Thursday to three to five years in prison and two years of probation after pleading guilty to armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery.

Authorities say the 38-year-old Pinard entered a Price Chopper in June, loaded a cart with shrimp and attempted to leave.

Pinard struck the store manager several times with the cart and threatened to stab store employees with a hypodermic needle.

He escaped in a vehicle, but left the shrimp and a pill bottle with his name on it behind.

Pinard's lawyer said his client struggles with drug addiction.