A QUARRY Bank man who played a key role in a plot to steal petrol from service stations across Stourbridge and Dudley has been allowed to keep his freedom.

Petrol valued at £1,358 was taken by the gang, who filled up cans and canisters with fuel and on one occasion even put the fuel pipe through the window of one of their cars.

It was “deliberate and repeated” offending, said Judge Nicholas Webb, after being told the gang stole registration plates from eight parked cars in Lye to disguise their own vehicles.

After one suspicious garage forecourt worker recognised 21-year-old Jabhar Ahmed, he drove off at speed and went the wrong way down a one-way street in a determined bid to evade arrest.

At one stage, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told, the father-of-two drove his car onto the pavement at a time when it was busy in the Stourbridge area.

The judge told Ahmed he had lent his vehicles to the crooked enterprise and they had been disguised with the false plates.

Ahmed, of Thornhill Road, had admitted conspiracy to steal, handling stolen property and dangerous driving.

The part-time restaurant worker was given 12 month jail term, suspended for two years, and was disqualified from driving for two years.

He was further placed on supervision for a year and ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work in the community.

Jas Mann, defending, said Ahmed and his partner became homeless and their “desperate” financial problems resulted in him becoming involved in the escapade.

He told the court that Ahmed drove away from the one garage at speed and there was a police chase because he panicked.

Ahmed, stressed Mr Mann, accepted it was only good fortune that no-one had been injured during the short pursuit.

Laura Hobson, prosecuting, said CCTV proved Ahmed was the driver on at least two occasions while his fingerprints were recovered from stolen registration plates.

The prosecution, she added, could not say who was behind the conspiracy which must have involved other people and other vehicles.

Jamil Hart, aged 19, of Chestnut Avenue, Dudley, should also have appeared before the Judge to be sentenced for his part in the plot.

But when he failed to surrender to the custody of the court a warrant was issued for his arrest.