Thief caught in nick of time

A MAN who tried to steal a Tag Heuer watch before being caught in a dramatic citizen’s arrest has been sentenced in the Supreme Court.

David Eaton, 32, was on Thursday found guilty by a jury of stealing and aggravated assault.

The court heard Eaton visited a Dynnyrne house to inspect the Tag Heuer watch, which had been advertised on the internet for sale for $3000, on June 12 last year.

After being shown the watch, Eaton put it on his wrist and ran off.

Watch owner Mohdzul Eqhmal, a student from Singapore, chased Eaton over a number of fences and into the backyard of a house in a nearby street.

Both Mr Eqhmal and the homeowner eventually managed to catch Eaton and restrain him on the ground.

In the five to 10 minuets before the police arrived, Eaton forcefully tried to escape, with Mr Eqhmal suffering grazes to his hands, knees and face.

Justice Robert Pearce said Eaton had a lengthy criminal history, including violence and serious driving offences.

“He has not demonstrated any remorse,” Justice Pearce said.

“At the time of the crimes he was on bail for other indictable crimes which are not yet resolved.

“It is obvious to me that his dishonesty was planned. He could never have afforded to buy such a valuable watch and went to the house intending to steal it.”

After Eaton’s arrest, the watch was recovered undamaged, Justice Pearce said.

Eaton received a fivemonth suspended sentence and 84 hours of community service.