A COURTROOM romance between a crime victim and a defendant has stood the test of time.

Shaun Pearson and wife Lynn are celebrating 10 years together after an unconventional start to their relationship.

The couple, of Sunny Heys, Meltham, met in 1994, when out-of-work Shaun bought a video recorder which had been stolen in a burglary at Lynn's home.

But repentant Shaun was so mortified by what he had done that he went to apologise for his crime.

"He brought me a red rose to say he was sorry. It was his manner, really. I forgave him and things just went on from there," said Lynne, now 28.

"When I went to court with him the magistrates thought it was really funny; they just laughed," she added.

And Shaun, 29, said: "She changed my ways and we've been happy together ever since.

"They say that crime doesn't pay, which it doesn't. But my crime helped me find Lynn."

The couple now have a busy life together, looking after their five children. They have Kerry, 12, Joshua, seven, Jacqueline, six, Callum, five, and Chloe, two.

But they are hoping to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their meeting - April, 1994 - with a meal out for just the two of them.

Shaun pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and was put on probation for a year and ordered to pay £45 costs.

At the time, his solicitor, Mr Neill Crone, said Shaun's life had taken on much-needed stability after Lynn had sent a message asking to see him and he had called to apologise.