Shoplifter stole chocs and flowers for woman during date

A THIEF from Co Tyrone who stole chocolates and flowers for a woman while on their first date was sardonically described by a judge as “very chivalrous”.

John Paul Savage (29), from Milltown Road, Dungannon, previously denied the charge, only changing his plea at the very last minute just as a contest was about to begin.

Dungannon Magistrates Court heard Savage was on a first date with a woman he had met online.

She collected him in her car on March 9, 2018, and they set off for their date. However, Savage asked the her to pull in to a supermarket on the way.

He entered the shop while she waited in the car outside.

Along with the chocolates and flowers, Savage proceeded to help himself to £90 worth of goods as gifts for the woman, including groceries and peppermint oil. It was confirmed he left the shop with the goods having made no effort to pay.

❝ He asks her to wait in the car while he goes into a shop and steals gifts for her. Very chivalrous

Having presented these to the woman in the car, they continued on their date. Police were called and viewed security camera footage from which they obtained the woman’s car registration. They contacted her and “she immediately provided all details on Savage”, who was arrested.

A defence lawyer accepted his client had taken the case to the last minute before switching his plea. The judge responded: “He didn’t have much choice on the face of the evidence. He asks her to stop and wait in the car while he goes into a shop and steals gifts for her. Very chivalrous.”

He enquired if the woman had met up with Savage again after being made aware of his conduct.

“No further dates or contact occurred,” the judge was told.

Addressing Savage, who is remanded in custody on unrelated matters, the judge said: “With the record you’ve got for thieving and other offending for which you have previously served custodial sentences, every time you come to court you are simply going to keep going back to jail.

“The sentences will get longer and longer. It’s time you grew up and faced that reality or you will spend a greater proportion of your life in custody.”

Savage was jailed for a month.