A TRANSPORTER driver who came up with an “incredible” explanation of how he came to steal a £20,000 Mercedes from his employers has avoided jail.

Thomas Boucher pleaded guilty earlier this year to stealing the prestige car from Long Marston-based Jet Total Solutions. The 35-year-old, of Clare Close, Lillington, was sentenced at Warwick crown court to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, with 18 months supervision, and was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecutor Paul Mytton said Boucher’s job involved collecting and delivering vehicles on a lowloader.

In March, he picked up a Mercedes ML Cdi 320 worth £20,000 from Surrey to return it to Jet’s depot. When he arrived back, he clocked off as normal even though a CCTV recording showed the Mercedes was not present.

When the company realised the car was missing, he was spoken to as part of an internal investigation, but could offer no explanation. He was dismissed and then arrested in April.

Boucher told officers he had diverted to Warwick on his route back to the depot, where he was relieving himself on an industrial estate, when a man approached him. He said the man offered him £1,000 for the Mercedes and he accepted – but the man drove off without paying him.

Mr Mytton said: “The chance of being discovered and blame being laid at his door was extremely high.

His account in interview borders on the incredible.”

Nick Devine, defending, said: “He stands by that account, whatever you may think of it.” He added Boucher was under pressure at the time because his wife wanted a divorce and their home had to be sold.

Recorder Lance Ashworth said: “Your explanation given to the police seems to me to be incredible, especially as that is not what you told your employers.

“This was a gross breach of trust.

Many people have such difficulties, but not many of them steal cars.”