A FORMER alcoholic has admitted stealing diesel from trucks at a yard in Tonbridge.

Darren Woodger, 29, of Booth Close, Snodland, pleaded guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court to siphoning fuel from vehicles belonging to refuse company Veolia.

Prosecuting, James Nichols said the diesel was taken overnight on December 13 and police found a hat and siphoning equipment at the scene. DNA on them was traced to Woodger.

Defending, Laura Hollinghum said Woodger had gone through a period of committing crimes due to a drink problem between 2000 and 2003 but had got his life back on track.

He had recently moved in with a partner, causing problems with his benefits, which had been stopped for three months.

Miss Hollinghum said: "A friend mentioned he'd siphoned diesel.

"Mr Woodger, being at a low ebb, took the friend up on the offer and went with him one time.

"His friend took some of the fuel and Mr Woodger used some for his vehicle which he hadn't been able to fill up because he had no money."

Chairman of the bench Keith Johnson said: "The theft, albeit a small amount, was a theft that caused harm to Veolia because they lost the diesel, obviously an inconvenience to them."

Woodger was fined £100 and order to pay costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.

He was also told to pay £74.18 compensation to Veolia for the diesel.