Jailed for fuel theft

A man who failed to return to a shop to pay for his fuel was jailed at Nenagh District Court this month.

James Ward (27) drove to Mulrooney’s fuel station, Lorrha, on February 10 last and filled his vehicle with €50 worth of fuel. He told the cashier in the shop that he had no money to pay for the fuel but signed a form saying he would return at a subsequent date to pay. He never came back to pay. He had provided a provided a false name and address on the form.

Mr Ward, of Sandymount, Killimor, Ballinasloe, had over 80 previous convictions for theft, public disorder and road traffic offences. He was serving a 14-month prison sentence imposed last May in relation to two burglary charges.

Solicitor Johnny Spencer said the defendant was sorry for his actions. Mr Ward intended to pay compensation to the fuel station but he “ran into difficulty”. He had an addiction background and owed debts. He was attending drug and alcohol counselling in prison.

Judge Marie Keane imposed a three-month prison sentence to run consecutive to the sentence Mr Ward was already serving.