A PETROL pincher failed to pay for his fuel despite being given two extra chances.

Gavin Jackson drove his Vauxhall Astra to the BP in Ipswich Road, Colchester, and filled up with £51 worth of petrol but then made off.

Less than a week later he drove the same car to the same service station and took £24 worth of fuel and didn’t pay.

Police were called and offered Jackson, 40, of Berkley Close, Colchester, a community resolution as long as he handed over the money but he never did.

He also failed to pay as part of a conditional caution offered to him.

The 40-year-old also did not turn up to a victim awareness course.

He admitted making off without payment at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, where he said he didn’t pay because his benefits had been slashed.

Chairman of the bench Martin Stuchfield said: “This is a very unsatisfactory situation over £75 worth of fuel where you now have a criminal record.

"It has now swelled to £310 as we are fining you £120, you must pay the compensation of £75, a £30 victim surcharge and costs of £85.”