Pittsfield man gets up to 7 years for crime spree

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- A Pittsfield man prosecutors say participated in a one-night rampage of vandalism, car theft and attempted arson that caused nearly $600,000 in damage has been sentenced to up to seven years in prison.

Steven Gratton was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to 31 charges in connection with what prosecutors called a night of "mayhem and destruction" in February 2012.

Prosecutors say the 25-year-old Gratton and two friends broke into businesses, stole a number of vehicles, spilled two drums of diesel fuel, and tried to set fire to two businesses.

The estimated cost of their crime spree was $572,000, with $100,000 alone for the diesel cleanup.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that Gratton's lawyer acknowledged his client caused a "major mess" but pointed out Gratton's mental health and substance abuse issues.