Aug 2 2012 Flintshire Chronicle
AN APPRENTICE engineer has admitted stealing diesel from lorries at an industrial estate.
Fuel was taken on two occasions from the Cambrian Concrete yard at the Rossmoor Industrial Estate near Mold.
On each occasion a Vauxhall Astra was seen nearby, and police went to the home of the registered keeper Craig Jeffrey, 19.
Jeffrey, of Clivedon Road in Connah’s Quay, is due to complete his apprenticeship at Deeside Industrial Park soon. He admitted two charges of theft at Flintshire Magistrates Court.
District Judge Andrew Shaw agreed to a prosecution application to seize his car.
Jeffrey was also put on a 12-month community order under which he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work – and ordered to pay £352 compensation and £85 prosecution costs.
Judge Shaw decided against imposing a driving ban because it might jeopardise the defendant’s apprenticeship.
The court heard Jeffrey had previous convictions for stealing vehicle parts and using false number plates in fuel drive-off offences.
Brian Cross, defending, said police had considered a caution if the compensation was paid, but claimed the victim would not agree to it.
But Judge Shaw said – in view of his previous convictions – court was far more appropriate.