I forgot to pay, says driver who stole fuel from two Telford petrol stations

Mohammad Sher-Khan, from Barking, Essex, pleaded guilty to taking £122.47 in petrol across two days in January this year in Telford.

Magistrates in the town heard that Sher-Khan, 22, told police he had intended to pay – but that he had forgotten to hand over the money.

They heard he travels all over the country for his work, but was in the West Midlands for three or four days for other commitments.

He was spotted leaving Welcome Break in Shifnal at about 6pm on January 27 after filling his Ford Fiesta with £63.30 of unleaded petrol.

He took £59.17 of petrol from Trench Lock 24/7 on January 29, again without paying for it.

Ms Abigail Hall, prosecuting, said: “He was arrested on January 29 and taken to Malinsgate Police Station, where he said he had a ‘distractful’ memory.

“He said he had cash on him to pay, but couldn’t explain why he didn’t have cash on him when he was arrested later that day.”

Ms Bally Paul, defending Sher-Khan, said he was “deeply ashamed”.

Magistrates were told that he had spent all his money in Birmingham and needed to fill up his car to get home, Ms Paul said.

"He was embarrassed," she said.

"He should have communicated his needs.

"He is willing to make payment"

Magistrates gave Sher-Khan a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £277.47 in fines.

Chair of the magistrate’s bench Jane Basley said: “Hopefully you realise it was a stupid thing to do and it will not happen again.”