A disqualified driver who repeatedly stole fuel from a petrol station has been jailed.

CCTV showed John Ward using the petrol station in Fontwell and filling up different vehicles each time between January 30, 2022, and January 24 this year.

The unemployed 34-year-old of Station Road, Burgess Hill, would sometimes switch registration plates on vehicles to evade being identified.

The estimated value of the fuel thefts was more than £1,800.

Ward was charged with 14 counts of making off without payment, and two counts of driving while disqualified.

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At Lewes Crown Court on April 26 he admitted the charges and was sentenced to four months in prison.

He was also further disqualified from driving for two years.

Speaking after the case, investigating officer PC Darren Triggs from Chichester RIT said: “Over a two-year period Ward repeatedly helped himself to fuel.

“He was already disqualified from driving for a range of offences including dangerous driving, careless driving, and driving without insurance.

“We know that Ward’s repetitive thefts have an impact on businesses and on the public, so we were determined to identify him and arrest him.

“Following the SEU investigation he has now been sentenced.

“We are pleased that a frequent offender has been taken off our roads and off the streets.”