Facebook has often been pilloried by security experts keen to point out the potential pitfalls of clicking on dodgy links, downloading malicious third-party apps or coming a cropper thanks to identity thieves.

Well, now there's another risk. If you're a) really stupid and b) unlucky in love, take note.

Reports emerged courtesy of that paragon of journalistic integrity the Daily Mail of a mother of two who ended up on a date from hell after meeting a guy on Facebook.

Apparently, 23 year-old Leah Gibbs had planned a quiet night in with a DVD - strange for a first date but, hey, maybe that's how girls do things in Tylorstown, South Wales.

What she got was a lot more, however, as 21 year-old Adam Minton asked her to drive him to a shopping district, whereupon he jumped out of the car, only to return five minutes later with a rather panicked look on his face.

She then drove back to his house but "as his personality had changed and he had become rude towards her, she decided the date was over". The police then arrived and arrested them both.

Gibbs was subsequently released, but it emerged that her beau had threatened a cashier with a large kitchen knife and run off with £250.

Now, let this be a cautionary tale to any girl looking for love on Facebook. Thar be nought but social misfits and violent offenders on that tharrr site.

02 Sep 2011