Fined after stealing fuel at bus depot

A fuel thief was fined £ 800 for siphoning gas from parked vehicles.

William Smillie, 5 4 , of Dalfarson Avenue in Dalmellington pled guilty to stealing the fuel at Keenan of Ayr Ltd - a coach and minibus hire company in Coalhall, Ayr.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard on Tuesday, April 10 that on the morning of Wednesday, March 8 last year a security guard found a number of fuel caps had been prised off and fuel removed.

It was noted there was a small spot of blood left on one car.

The police were contacted and DNA samples were taken.

Solicitor Steven Maxwell said Smillie was ‘ encouraged’ to carry out the thieving.

Mr Maxwell said: “He and a number of others had been taken alcohol.

“Some time later his blood DNA was found on the vehicle.

“Mr Smillie couldn’t understand where his blood had been found.

“It’s been a long time since he’s been in the court with dishonesty.”

The court heard the amount of fuel taken by Smillie was worth between £ 300 and £ 400.

Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart said: “As Mr Maxwell said, it has been a while since you have been in court and it’s very unfortunate you’re standing there today.

“I’m coming to the conclusion you will provide compensation to this company for the fuel you’ve stolen.”

Smillie pled guilty to forcing open a lockfast on motor vehicles and stealing a quantity of fuel.

He must pay compensation to Keenan of Ayr Ltd to the sum of £ 800.