2 of 4 accused in Carbonear fake date say knife was used in robbery

A man accused in a curious court case in Harbour Grace involving an alleged robbery, online match-making and one very bad date freely admitted his guilt to reporters Thursday.

Adam Stagg, 30, told reporters as he entered the courthouse Thursday that he was an "idiot" who can be persuaded by others. 

"Very stupid. I'm stupid," said Stagg, one of four people facing charges stemming from an unusual robbery in Carbonear earlier this week, as he was walked into court by an RCMP officer.

• Date met online helped rob N.L. man of money and car, police say

When asked if he was implying that he was led into the crime, Stagg replied, "Yeah, pretty much. All three of us [were]."

Troy Dobbin, 18, joined Stagg in speaking to reporters during their court appearance. They admitted their role in a carjacking and said a hunting knife was used in the robbery.

Janine Porter, 30, is the woman at the centre of the alleged robbery and extortion case.

Fake date set up at dog park

Police say a 26-year-old man from Winterton met Porter at a dog park and playground in Carbonear Tuesday, under the illusion he was meeting up with a woman he met through an online dating site and Facebook. 

But the meeting didn't go as planned, police said.

As the two got acquainted, three men approached the couple. One of them was armed with a hunting knife.

They forcibly took the man's vehicle and some cash.

The man's date, Porter, was initially thought to be a victim. But police believe she was a key player in the set-up.

One of the accused is a 15-year-old boy, who was released on bail Thursday afternoon.

Porter, Stagg, Dobbin and the teenager are facing charges including armed robbery, extortion, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. 

Porter and Dobbin will make another appearance on Friday, while Stagg has been remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Sept. 13.