French tourists fined for stealing petrol

Two French tourists who stole petrol from a Kaikoura service station have been fined $100 each.

Matthieu Marchand and Maxime Norbiato admitted taking fuel from Caltex Kaikoura on January 21, the Marlborough Express reported today.

In Blenheim District Court yesterday, Judge Graeme Noble fined them $100 each, as well as ordering both men to pay $50.24 reparation.

The court was told the pair decided to take petrol without paying after running low on fuel and cash while travelling throughout New Zealand.

Before going to the petrol station, they tried to cover their tracks by removing the number plate of their vehicle, but were later caught by police, prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said.

- NZPA