Thief who stole almost £1,000 worth of petrol from filling stations in Northamptonshire avoids jail

William Portley, aged 48, of Rosedale Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, drive off without paying for petrol on 13 occasions between July last year and January 2015.

The petrol stations targeted were mainly in Northampton, but also in Thrapston, Wellingborough and Rugby.

Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard Portley used five sets of number plates he “found in a skip” in St Andrews Road, Northampton, to help him to avoid detection by the police.

Portley pleaded guilty to stealing a total of £967.47 in petrol. He also admitted a charge of receiving stolen goods and five charges of driving without any insurance.

He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete 60 hours unpaid work. He was banned form driving for 12 months.

He must pay a £480 fine costs of £85 and victim surcharge of £80.