A MAN, who is accused of foolishly stealing petrol while police officers were parked up in a patrol vehicle just yards away, has been charged with a string of offences.

The driver has been charged with dangerous driving, police obstruction and making off without payment from a station.

A driver had stopped off at a petrol station in Woolston on Wednesday where he filled up his petrol tank but drove off allegedly without paying.

But what he didn’t realise was that a police car was parked up opposite the station and was immediately alerted to the offence.

A police chase ensued and the driver was brought to a safe stop using a stinger in Stockton Heath.

The man will appear at Warrington Magistrates Court on April 29.