A FATHER-of-two who stole £10,500 in a faked robbery at the Kidderminster petrol station where his brother worked has been jailed for 21 months at Worcester Crown Court.

Judge John Cavell said 28-year-old Mark Bassral had taken part in a sophisticated and well-organised crime and taken advantage of his brother's job.

Bassral, of Milton Road, Prestwich, Manchester, pleaded guilty to the theft on December 14, 2003, from the Habberley service station in Franche Road.

After a five-day trial last year, his 20-year-old brother Oliver, of Severnside Mill, Stourport Road, Bewdley, was cleared of being involved in the theft.

He admitted perverting the course of justice by making a false statement to police and was ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work for the community and pay £500 costs.

Oliver Bassral, who was a cashier, was found bound and gagged on the floor of the service station, said William Rickarby, prosecuting. He claimed he had been attacked by two masked men armed with a baseball bat.

Six days later, he went to police again and revealed that he recognised one of the thieves as his brother. The third man has never been found and the money never recovered.

Jason Aris, defending, said Mark Bassral had accepted his guilt at an early stage and had been co-operative with the police. The case had caused a rift in the family.

Bassral was the father of twins and had wanted money to buy them gifts for Christmas. He had previous convictions for dishonesty but he had managed to kick his drug habit. He was playing a leading role in a campaign addressing the increasing problem of cocaine addiction.

Bassral had played rugby at a high level before his career was cut short by a back injury. He had trained as an account manager but had been unable to get work because of the court case.

Judge Cavell said Bassral was a man of intelligence and ability but had chosen to take advantage of his brother in the "pretend robbery".