A man has been found not guilty of contaminating fuel at a Tesco garage in Branksome.
Prosecutors at Basildon Crown Court had claimed Jeffrey Wheeler stole diesel from a tanker at a Tesco store in Essex, replacing it with contaminated fuel that was used to fill the tanks at Branksome.
But the defence said Mr Wheeler did not have enough time to carry out the crime.
Mr Wheeler, 57, of Atherstone Road, Canvey Island, Essex, was cleared of one count of theft and one of fraud.
After his acquittal, Mr Wheeler said it was proof "the little man can win".
It is believed that more than 100 motorists experienced problems with their vehicles after tanking up with 'contaminated' diesel from the Tesco forecourt in September 2014.
Many who contacted the Daily Echo said they were facing repair bills of up to £5,000, as well as the stress and inconvenience of breaking down.
The garage was boarded up for two months after customers reported problems with their vehicles while Tesco carried out investigations.
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