A DRIVER who targeted Northwich when making off without paying for fuel has been ordered to pay for it all by the courts.

On eight occasions, James Payne left without handing over money for fuel, which cost around £80.

The 20-year-old was caught however and charged with eight counts of making off without making a payment.

He appeared to be sentenced at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 29, where he was ordered to pay compensation.

Alan Currums, prosecuting, explained how the period of offending ran from September 9 to October 23 this year.

Each of the eight charges occurred in the Northwich area, involving fuel worth a combined £667.91.

The charges state that the defendant ‘dishonestly made off without making payment, knowing that payment on the spot for goods supplied was required or expected, and with intent to avoid payment’.

Payne, of Martham Close, Grappenhall, pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced by magistrates to a 12-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to repay the £667.91 in compensation, as well as costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £120 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £114.

In addition, the court approved an order to deprive the defendant of named vehicle number plates.