A PETROL station worker stole £665 from his employers by scanning motor oil and giving himself cash refunds.

Martin Bucak, 24, would place the oil containers back on the shelf after pocketing the cash at the Shell service station at Hapsford on the M56.

But colleagues soon noticed a discrepancy between stock and takings and began looking though CCTV recordings between November and December last year.

Chester Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that they confronted Bucak after footage clearly showed him scanning the motor oil and taking money from the till.

He admitted the theft and was given the opportunity to return the cash – but when he failed to do so, the police were called and he was arrested.

“He said he needed the money,” said Rob Youds, prosecuting. “He said he was really ashamed but that these things happen.”

Bucak, of Dover Drive, Ellesmere Port, was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay Shell £665.82 in compensation.

After reading his pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, chairman of the magistrates' Jillian Kirkbride-Wright told the defendant: “We note that you are doing really well – so stay on the right road.”

“I'll try,” replied Bucak.

“No, you will,” said Mrs Kirkbride-Wright.

The defendant was also told to pay £85 in court costs as well as a victim surcharge of £85.