A woman has admitted stealing hundreds of pounds worth of fuel from filling stations across Perthshire.
Susan Sutherland drove off without paying from forecourts in Blairgowrie, Pitlochry, Scone and Crieff.
The 56-year-old said she “didn’t care” if she was caught.
Sutherland appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted four charges of theft over a seven-week period last summer.
Last year, a study by an anti-crime campaign group revealed a sudden rise in fuel thefts that was costing UK garages about £100 million.
Tayside’s Chief Superintendent Phil Davison told The Courier in January the increase was partly due to the cost of living crisis.
Accused used same car each time
The court heard how Sutherland made off with about £65 of fuel from the Tesco filling station in Blairgowrie on June 16 last year.
Eleven days later, she struck at Pitlochry Service Station, driving away with a further £80 worth of fuel.
On August 1, she stole £60 of fuel from the Tesco Express in her home town of Scone.
And Sutherland made off with another £70 worth from Crieff Garage on August 5.
Fiscal depute Bill Kermode said: “Essentially, she was filling up with fuel and then driving off without paying.
“The same vehicle was used in the commission of each of these offences.”
A ‘sense of purpose’
Solicitor Pauline Cullerton, defending, said: “Ms Sutherland recently lost her mother and was struggling.
“She indicated that she spent most of her time out driving, just to give herself some sense of purpose.
“She did not have any particular destination in mind, other than one occasion when she went to Inverness.
“The car that she used had been bought with her inheritance.
“But that vehicle has since been sold and she no longer has a car.”
Ms Cullerton said: “She stated to a social worker that she didn’t care if she was caught for taking fuel from these places.
“At this time, her mood was very low although she realises that is no excuse for her behaviour.
“She takes full responsibility and is full prepared to repay the full amount – just over £276 – within 28 days.”
Sheriff Sheena Fraser ordered Sutherland, of Catmoor Avenue, to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
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