Prolific thief jailed for fleeing Northumberland petrol stations without paying

A thief who targeted a long string of petrol stations in Northumberland has been jailed.

John Walton has been sentenced to time behind bars after committing a number of petrol thefts in Blyth, Ashington and Morpeth in recent months.

Walton’s deceit involved him pretending to have forgotten his wallet or bank card and then never returning to pay.

On July 5, Walton found himself in handcuffs after officers built a strong evidential case against him and he was quickly charged with eight counts of making off without payment.

Walton was also wanted on warrant after failing to appear at court for a previous offence.

On July 19, the 33-year-old, appeared before Bedlington Magistrates’ and pleaded guilty to all offences.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Davis, of Northumbria Police, said: “It is clear that Walton has shown a total disregard for the law on several occasions and thought he could continue his ruse to repeatedly offend.

“He has deceived staff multiple times however, thanks to a great case put together by the Ashington and Bedlington Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Walton has now faced the consequences of his actions.

“Our Neighbourhood Officers are committed to remaining embedded within the communities we serve to continue to protect the public and bring anyone involved in any form of criminality before the courts.”

Walton, of Avebury Place, Blyth, has been jailed for 12 weeks.