Image copyright ABC Image caption Mr Vezmar, 37, said the woman's behaviour was "a threat to civilized society".

A Texas man has filed a lawsuit against a woman for the cost of a movie ticket after she texted during their cinema date.

Brandon Vezmar, 37, said the woman walked out of the screening of Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 when he complained about her persistent phone use.

Mr Vezmar filed the petition in the state capital of Austin last week seeking $17.31 (£13.30), arguing his date's behaviour was "a threat to civilised society".

Crystal Cruz initially refused to reimburse him because "he took me out on a date".

However, she relented after US TV programme Inside Edition reunited the pair at the same cinema.

"The date just didn't work out," she told him, adding: "Just leave this alone."

Image copyright Inside Edition Image caption The cash handoff took place outside the cinema

Image copyright Twitter

"Oh my God," Ms Cruz told the Austin American-Statesman earlier this week when she learned of the legal action. "This is crazy."

Mr Vezmar said she began texting about 15 minutes after the movie began during their first date on 6 May.

"It was kind of a first date from hell," he told the newspaper.

He said he asked her to stop and when she refused, Mr Vezmar suggested she should step outside to text.

Image copyright Facebook Image caption The plaintiff says the texting was a "direct violation" of the cinema's policy

The woman left and did not return, he said.

Mr Vezmar said he texted her the next day to ask for the price of the ticket but she refused the initial request.

Mr Vezmar dropped the suit on Thursday after Ms Cruz handed over the money, which he counted in front of her.

Ms Cruz said on Tuesday she only texted two or three times with her friend who was having a fight with her boyfriend.

"I had my phone low and I wasn't bothering anybody," she said.

According to the lawsuit, the texting was a "direct violation" of the cinema's policy and she "adversely" affected his and other patrons' viewing experience.

"While damages sought are modest, the principle is important as defendant's behaviour is a threat to civilized society," the petition said.