Paul O’Farrell, 32, of Tower Bridge Road in Bermondsey, admitted making off without payment at petrol stations 11 times.
Between June 2023 and February 2025 he stole £1,146 worth of diesel from petrol stations.
Ten of the incidents took place in Brentwood and one took place in Basildon.
O’Farrell appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on February 28 where he pleaded guilty to the charges.
He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison but because magistrates believe O’Farrell has a realistic prospect of rehabilitation the sentence was suspended for one year.
O’Farrell was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £923 compensation.
