A MAN who stole almost £300 of diesel from a garage in Rudheath has avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Mark Barry, of no fixed abode in Cuddington, stole from Threeways Garage on four separate occasions – including twice on the same day.

The 57-year-old appeared in Chester Magistrates’ Court on September 21 where he pleaded guilty to the four offences, as well as possessing a bladed article in a public place.

The court heard how on September 5 of this year Barry stole £80.16 of diesel from Threeways Garage.

He returned on September 8 and stole £79.95 worth of diesel.

On September 12, he twice stole diesel from the Rudheath garage – totalling £53.56 and £67.26.

Following this spree, the bench heard Barry was caught with an outdoor knife in Chester Way, Northwich, on September 20.

Magistrates sentenced Barry to four months for the offences but suspended the sentence for 12 months because ‘the defendant has a good prospect of rehabilitation’.

He will need to comply with a maximum of 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay back a total of £200.98 in compensation.

This is on top of £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £154 surcharge.