A man was charged and fined in court after filling his car with fuel and making off without paying.

With the region seeing increased fuel thefts and petrol prices continuing to rise, we’ve pulled together a list of people charged in court in the last six months for making off without paying for fuel.

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Forces across the North East and North Yorkshire have tackled more than 9,000 fuel thefts in five years, with around 38 a week recorded in the first five months of this year.

The offence can net those responsible with a fairly hefty fine and sometimes the requirement to pay compensation.

Jordon Whitefield, 33, of Stages Academy, Bridge Street West, Middlesbrough had his case heard before Cleveland Magistrates Court on February 4.

He was charged with making off without paying after filling his car up at Total Petrol Station on the A19 York Road in Thirsk.

Whitefield was also charged with fraudulently altering registration documents, to which he was fined £120.

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He was given no separate penalty for making off without paying for fuel, but was made to pay £80 in compensation.

He was also made to pay £34 to victim services,, and £85 to Crown Prosecution Service.

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