Crime statistics may indicate that fuel thieves are rarely brought to justice, but officers from Kent Police successfully apprehended a man who stole over £70 worth of petrol, leading to prosecution and a hefty fine.
Kent Online reports that Paul Cash committed the offence at the Morrisons forecourt in Maidstone in 2023, filling a vehicle with £72.50 worth of diesel before driving off without entering the forecourt shop or attempting to pay.
He was subsequently arrested and charged, but failed to appear at court in 2024, being found guilty in his absence. A warrant was issued for his arrest, which was eventually made at the beginning of this month. He appeared before Medway magistrates on August 5, and admitted failing to surrender to court, and making off without payment.
Cash was fined £450 for the offence and a further £200 for failing to surrender to custody. A £260 victim surcharge was applied, as was an order for £620 to cover court costs. He will repay the penalties at £150 a month.
