A hapless thief who stole a woman's handbag inside a city centre bar was snared after he stayed for another drink.
Sam Davies had helped himself to the victim's bag, which contained a laptop and wallet, as she danced in Cosy Joes, in Newcastle. But, rather than make-off, the bungling 30-year-old stayed behind for a cigarette and another drink, a court heard.
In the meantime, the woman realised her bag had been stolen and staff viewed CCTV and realised the culprit was still sat in the bar with a "bulge under his jumper". Davies, whose own solicitor described the theft as "a blueprint of how not to commit this type of offence", was approached and found to be in possession of the stolen items.
Read More: Drunk Whitley Bay yob smashed taxi's windscreen with bottles after refusing to pay fare
The crook, of Boston Court, in Forest Hall, was arrested and pleaded guilty to one count of theft at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Michael Crowe, defending, said: "Anyone who knew what they were doing would have made haste after stealing the bag - this is a blueprint of how not to commit this type of offence. He decided to have a cigarette in the smoking area then bought himself another drink.
"In that time, staff had viewed CCTV and observed the offence taking place and then realised the person who had committed the offence was still in the premises with a bulge in his jumper, which was the laptop. It's absurd behaviour, which he should be ashamed of."
The court heard that the victim was in Cosy Joes on the evening of April 14 this year and had left her bag at her table while she got up to dance. Emma O'Hegarty, prosecuting, said she realised the bag was missing soon after.
Mrs O'Hegarty continued: "She reported it to staff. A short time later, she was informed that they had viewed CCTV and the bag had been taken by a male. The victim went out for some fresh air and she was approached by the manager, who showed her her laptop. She confirmed it was hers."
Magistrates were told that the goods, worth £330, were returned to the victim. Davies, who has 10 offences on his record, was fined £120 and ordered to pay £45 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
