THE courts have handed a large fine to a man who failed to pay for fuel after filling up.

John Davies made off without paying for diesel after visiting the petrol station at Morrisons in Widnes.

The 57-year-old, of St James Road in Prescot, was subsequently charged with two counts of making off without making payment.

He appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced on Monday, August 15, where he was ordered to repay considerably more than his fuel bill.

Laura Simpson, prosecuting, explained how the first incident saw Davies attend the supermarket’s garage on Green Oaks Way on February 7.

Knowing that payment on the spot was required for the diesel supplied, he dishonestly made off without paying the £30 fee.

The defendant did the same on May 16 at the same petrol station, again failing to pay £30 for diesel.

Appearing in court, Davies pleaded guilty to both offences and was fined £461.

He was also ordered to pay £60 in compensation for the diesel, as well as costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £46.