Calling it silly yet serious, a judge sentenced a 35-year-old man to time served in jail and probation in a case that police say involved an assault with -- and over -- pickles.
Bobby Lee Bolen, who lives in the southwestern Michigan community of Buchanan, was sentenced Monday to 54 days in jail with credit for 54 days served and one year of probation as well as restitution for third-offense home invasion.
According to police reports, Bolen broke into Jody Lee's home in Buchanan Aug. 20, got into an argument and threw two large pickles at friends Lee and J.W. Romanski III.
Two counts involving Bolen's assaults were dismissed as was a charge of cutting or interfering with phone lines.
"If this is not the silliest case I've ever seen in this courtroom, it certainly is in the top 10," Berrien Trial Court Judge Scott Schofield said Monday. "The fact that it's silly doesn't mean that it's not serious."
Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Travis called the situation "completely needless."
"Mr. Bolen is in need of anger management, so maybe he can get to the bottom of why he would commit a felony over pickles," Travis told the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune.
Defense attorney Robert Lutz said alcohol appeared to be at the root of Bolen's problems.