A WREXHAM man who failed to pay for £25 worth of fuel has been landed with a bill several times its value.

Alexander Dyer, of Percy Road, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old admitted that on September 18 last year, he made off without paying for diesel at the Shell Garage in Ruabon.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court the diesel taken came to a value of £25.17.

Dyer had attended the forecourt, filled up his vehicle and then gone to pay - but his card was declined.

There had been "multiple attempts" to resolve the mater before bringing it to court, he added - but they were unsuccessful.

Lorraine McClure, defending, told the court: "This is an unfortunate circumstance for this man. It should have been straight forward.

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"He gave his card and it was declined, so he was up front with the garage staff and gave them his contact number.

"Unfortunately when he got home he found he had no money."

Ms McClure said her client also has a drug habit and "should have prioritised the payment to the garage," but didn't.

"He's very apologetic," she added.

"He is getting help with his drug use."

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She agreed that "of course the Shell garage should be reimbursed."

Deputy District Judge Paul Conlon accepted there had been "little or no planning" in the commission of the offence.

He handed down a £60 fine and ordered the defendant to pay a £24 victim surcharge, £85 costs and £25.17 compensation.