A ROMEO robber was arrested after he gave his telephone number to a girl who later recognised his face on a TV police appeal.

Mark Wharton, 31, had carried out a knifepoint street robbery in Newcastle and made off with a ring.

The city's crown court heard he then made his way to Gateshead Stadium Metro station, where he bumped into Samantha Weightman - who he asked out on a date after offering to sell her the ring.

Tim Parkin, prosecuting, said that a week later he carried out another knifepoint robbery after meeting the victim at Newcastle Central Station.

CCTV footage of him in the station was later shown in Crimestoppers and Samantha recognised him.

Judge David Hodson jailed Wharton, who had a history of street robberies, for nine years.

Wharton, of Hendon Road, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to two charges of robbery. His barrister, Rachel Hedworth, said: "He is ashamed and disgusted with his behaviour."