Man poured petrol over filling station forecourt

A man who poured petrol from a pump onto a filling station forecourt has been given a community order.

Daniel Flood, 44, of Athol Gardens, Ovenden, was seen on CCTV picking up a pump, squeezing the trigger and pouring petrol at Tesco Esso Express in Ovenden, near Halifax, in July.

Bradford Crown Court heard how Flood - who has severe intellectual issues and drug and alcohol problems - walked away and staff covered the petrol with sand, but he returned a short time later with a lighter.

He admitted attempted arson and was sentenced to a two-year community order.

Flood was told he must carry out 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a nine-month alcohol treatment plan.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron said Flood had previously been banned from the Tesco store due to his abusive behaviour towards staff.

However, on 7 July they saw Flood, who was unsteady on his feet, and disabled the pump, but not until "an appreciable quantity of petrol" had been spilled.

Mr Hendron said another man tried to persuade Flood to put the pump down, but he continued to try and pour out more petrol.

The staff remained inside the premises and Flood eventually walked away, only to return with the lighter. He left once again and was later arrested near his home.

Solicitor advocate Saf Salam, for Flood, said a psychological report had confirmed his client's intellectual difficulties and the defendant had admitted his guilt from the outset.

He added that Flood had abstained from drugs and alcohol for the past five months and had made positive changes to his life.

Recorder Patrick Palmer said if Flood had ignited the petrol, someone may have lost their life.

He said it was a serious offence, but highlighted Flood's issues and the fact that other people had been helping him with his drink and drug problems since the incident.

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