Cork man jailed after driving off without paying for petrol

Driving off without paying for petrol was described as a messy offence from the point of tying up garda resources in investigating the matters and very unfair on the petrol stations which are left at a loss.

That was the comment made by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court as she imposed a three-month jail term on Jamie O’Byrne of 4 Pearse Place, Ballyphehane, Cork.

The 33-year-old brought €60 to court to compensate the owners of two petrol stations where he carried out the “drive-offs”.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said that even though the accused was now in custody for other matters he had raised the money and brought it to court.

Mr Buttimer said the defendant agreed with the judge that not paying for petrol was unfair on the owners of petrol stations.

On January 17 2023 he stole €20 petrol from Maxol on Douglas Road, Cork.

On March 20 2023 he stole €40 worth of fuel from Circle K at Cork Airport.