A man who drove off without paying for fuel at five different local petrol stations was sentenced in court.

David Wiles admitted to six counts of making off without payment when he appeared in Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on November 6.

Wiles, of Warners End Road, Hemel Hempstead, stole fuel at the BP in Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, on March 16.

On March 30 he did the same at the Co-op in Cupid Greed, Hemel Hempstead. He then hit the Esso in London Road, Flamstead, and the same BP again on April 4.

On April 8, he made off from both the Shell Petrol Station on the A41, Bourne End, and the Tesco Petrol Station in Bushey Heath High Road.

The 48-year-old was fined £640 and ordered to pay a further £737 in compensation.

PC Nick Mann said: “I hope this serves as a warning to people that we do investigate these crimes and will do everything we can to bring people before the courts to face punishment.”