A PROLIFIC offender who was caught driving off from a South Petherton garage without paying for his fuel just 10 days after being released from prison has been given one last chance by magistrates to turn his life around.

The court heard that Ben Marc Gullis had struggled with a heroin addiction since the age of 17 but was now trying to crack his habit with the help of professional agencies.

Somerset Magistrates heard that since he had been released from prison earlier this year things were now “on the mend” and he was looking for work.

They gave him a conditional discharge for the offence and chairman of the bench Mary Ellis said they were pleased to hear that he had made good use of his time spent behind bars learning some new skills.

She said: “We hope you will continue to work well with the Probation Service because if you can keep yourself out of trouble they will support you to get back into work.

“Getting a job will take your life into a different place. You are being given a chance to turn your life around and let us hope that we do not see you here in court again at all.”

Gullis, 32, of Stonehill, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, pleaded guilty to making off from South Petherton Service Station on April 15 without making payment for £22 worth of diesel, knowing that payment was required.

Prosecutor Emma Lenanton said that the defendant was caught on CCTV and was positively identified by a police officer who attended the Euro Garage at South Petherton.

“The defendant had put 5.95 litres of diesel worth £22 into the tank of his vehicle before getting back inside and driving off,” she said.

When he was interviewed by police he made no comment to all questions asked of him and the court heard that Gullis had last been in court in March this year and had committed this latest offence 10 days after his release from custody.

Defending solicitor Sam Morton said that Gullis had battled with an on/off heroin addiction since the age of 17 and went to custody for four months earlier this year.

“He has been attending appointments with the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) and the Probation Service since his release, his script had been increased and he was now claiming benefits,” he said.

“Despite this things are now on the mend and long term he would like to get back into work.”

The conditional discharge was imposed for 12 months and Gullis was also ordered to pay £22 compensation to the garage but no costs or victim surcharge.