Blackpool fuel thief targeted Tesco station

George Grant, a 35-year-old roofer, of Vicarage Lane, Marton, pleaded guilty to one offence of theft and two offences of making off without paying.

He asked for five offences of making off without paying for fuel from Tesco, Clifton Retail Park, to be considered.

He was sentenced to a 12 months community order with up to 10 days rehabilitation to be supervised by the probation service, ordered to do six months drugs rehabilitation and fined £50 with £205 compensation by District Judge Roger Lloyd sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

Grant committed the offences between January and May this year. At the time of the offences Grant’s benefits had been suspended and he was struggling financially.