Disqualified Driver Jailed for Repeated Fuel Thefts

A disqualified driver who repeatedly stole fuel from a petrol station in Fontwell has been sentenced to four months in prison.

John Ward, 34, was also further disqualified from driving for two years after admitting to 14 counts of making off without payment and two counts of driving while disqualified.

The court heard that Ward, from Burgess Hill, committed the thefts between January 30, 2022, and January 24, 2024. He used various vehicles and often changed registration plates to avoid detection.

Despite his efforts, officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) identified him through CCTV footage, leading to his arrest and subsequent investigation by the Chichester Response Investigation Team (RIT).

Investigating officer PC Darren Triggs from Chichester RIT highlighted the impact of Ward’s actions on businesses and the public.

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