Sunday, September 29, 2024
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Crime

Serial diesel thief jailed

sonews

Mark Hughes, a 49 year old resident of Battery Hill in Bishops Waltham, has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison and slapped with a 44 month driving ban. The sentencing took place at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 14 September, following Hughes’ guilty pleas to an array of 15 charges.

Hughes’ charges stem from a series of incidents, primarily involving fuel theft, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. The incidents occurred in various locations, with a focus on Fareham Road, Wickham, and Station Hill, Curdridge.

Charges:

  • One count of driving whilst disqualified and one count of driving without insurance in Fareham Road, Wickham, on 28 November 2022.
  • Making off without payment, after taking £85.60 worth of diesel from a service station in Fareham Road, Wickham on 28 November 2022.
  • One count of driving whilst disqualified and one count of driving without insurance in Station Hill, Curdridge, on 15 January this year.
  • Making off without payment, after taking £60.49 worth of diesel from a service station in Station Hill, Curdridge on 15 January.
  • One count of driving whilst disqualified and one count of driving without insurance in Station Hill, Curdridge, on 17 January this year.
  • Making off without payment, after taking £88.75 worth of diesel from a service station in Station Hill, Curdridge on 17 January.
  • One count of driving whilst disqualified and one count of driving without insurance in Station Hill, Curdridge, on 25 January this year.
  • Making off without payment, after taking £79.71 worth of diesel from a service station in Station Hill, Curdridge on 25 January.
  • One count of driving whilst disqualified and one count of driving without insurance in Station Hill, Curdridge, on 29 January this year.
  • Making off without payment, after taking £31.41 worth of diesel from a service station in Station Hill, Curdridge on 29 January.

Faced with these multiple charges, magistrates at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court made a firm decision. Mark Hughes was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail, and his driving ban was extended to 44 months. This significant ban reflects the seriousness of the charges and aims to deter him from further illegal activities on the road.

Hughes’ actions not only jeopardised road safety but also displayed a blatant disregard for the law and the consequences of his actions.