A Dublin man who made off without paying for fuel in a car which was displaying fraudulent plates has been conditionally discharged for two years.
The 28-year-old’s barrister informed court that it was his client’s wish to return to the Republic of Ireland upon completion of the case.
Michael Ward, of no fixed abode, had pleas of guilty entered on his behalf to two counts of using a vehicle without insurance, obstructing police, making off without paying and fraudulent use of vehicle registration mark at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry.
Prosecution outlined that on the morning of April 9, police received a report of a licence plate being stolen from a BMW in Loughbrickland.
The following day, a report of a male driving a Honda car making off without paying for fuel to the value of £21 was made from the Maxol filling station in Scarva.
Checks were run on the licence plate which was registered to the aforementioned BMW.
On April 12, police spoke to this defendant in Craigavon driving a Honda car and he provided officers with the name Anthony Ward.
After checking CCTV, the perpetrator was identified as the defendant and he was subsequently arrested, making no comment during interview.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “He has conducted himself very significantly irresponsibly…he has four children, one of which is four weeks old.
“He wishes to have this matter dealt with so that he can return to the Republic of Ireland, where he normally resides.”
Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter disqualified Ward from driving for a period of three months and conditionally discharged him for two years.
In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay compensation of £21 and a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
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