Christopher Mullings, accused of attempting to flee from a gas station without paying for $35,000 worth of commodity, told the court that he had all intentions of paying, but ran away because the attendant was becoming violent.

Mullings appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to answer to charges of simple larceny.

The court was told that Mullings, 34, of Nine Miles, Bull Bay, St Andrew, went to a service station and ordered $35,000 worth of 87 octane and diesel. The gas was poured into containers and Mullings reportedly told the attendant that he was going to his car for the money.

Escape

The attendant followed him to the vehicle, and it is alleged that he released his hand brake in an attempt to drive off. The attendant reportedly held on to the keys and Mullings jumped from the car and ran away.

He later turned himself in to the police. The court heard that he told the police that he ran because the attendant had brandished a machete and was behaving in a boisterous manner. His lawyer also reiterated his point, telling the court that he ran because of a "threat of violence". He added that Mullings was purchasing the fuel for some fishermen and the attendant became impatient.

The matter is set for trial on October 6, 2008, and Mullings was granted $30,000 bail. He was also ordered to have his fingerprints taken.