A BANNED driver turned to taking petrol from garages without paying in order to support his family, a court was told.

Alistair McCulloch feared there was a warrant out for him, so he did not sign on to claim benefits, but used the petrol as income.

Yesterday, McCulloch, 35, of West Crescent, Whinney Banks, Middlesbrough, appeared before Teesside Crown Court, and admitted handling stolen goods, three offences of driving while disqualified, three offences of no insurance, and seven offences of stealing petrol.

He asked for 45 similar offences of stealing petrol to be taken into consideration.

Judge Peter Bowers jailed McCulloch for two years

Greg Purcell, prosecuting, said McCulloch was caught through closed circuit television.