Jail for man who drove off without paying for petrol

A man who drove off from petrol stations without paying on nine separate occasions has been jailed.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Apr 2016, 12:45 BST
Updated 22nd Apr 2016, 17:14 BST
Peterborough Magistrates Court, Bridge Street. Photo: Peterborough Telegraph - peterboroughtoday.co.uk, @peterboroughtel on Twitter, Facebook.com/peterboroughtodayPeterborough Magistrates Court, Bridge Street. Photo: Peterborough Telegraph - peterboroughtoday.co.uk, @peterboroughtel on Twitter, Facebook.com/peterboroughtoday
Peterborough Magistrates Court, Bridge Street. Photo: Peterborough Telegraph - peterboroughtoday.co.uk, @peterboroughtel on Twitter, Facebook.com/peterboroughtoday

Ben Longworth (33) of Daleswood Drive, Kings Cliffe, was locked up for 18 weeks at Peterborough Magistrates Court today (Friday) after pleading guilty to nine counts of making off without payment, one count of driving without insurance and one count of driving without a licence.

He targeted four petrol stations, taking more than £400 of petrol in total between April and September last year.

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Paul Brown, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendant put false plates on his partner’s car. He had been given money by his partner to fill up, but he spent the money on drugs.

“He has a distinctive limp, and that is how he was recognised.”

Mr Brown said Longworth had previous convictions for dishonesty, including similar offences in the past.

Martin Newton, defending, said Longworth had resolved his drugs issue now, and had not committed any offences since his arrest.

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District Judge Ken Sheraton said because of the previous convictions, he had no option but to impose a custodial sentence.

Along with the 18 week prison term, Longworth was ordered to pay a total of £443.45 compensation, and banned from driving for six months.