A WITNESS foiled a diesel theft when he saw two men unloading plastic fuel drums near a farm at Holbeach St Marks, magistrates heard.
Prosecutor Rebecca Ritson said the men were challenged and claimed they were leaving the drums there on behalf of Freshlink.
Their vehicle was traced to a recruitment agency in Boston and Marco Moriera was identified as using it at the time the drums were unloaded on February 21.
Miss Ritson said police found ten empty fuel containers in Moriera’s shed.
She said: “He said he intended to steal diesel from the farm but changed his mind after being seen.”
Miss Ritson said Moriera used fuel in his own business for garden machinery and told police he didn’t have enough money to buy it.
Moriera (30), of Sarthe Road, Swineshead, pleaded guilty to going equipped for theft. He was given a year-long community order with a requirement to do 120 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £85 costs.
Magistrates on Thursday ordered forfeiture and destruction of the fuel drums.