A teary-eyed alleged fuel thief, accused of injuring a petrol station worker who tried to stop him driving off, has vowed never to repeat his behaviour.
Glenn Willem Francis McCagh returned to court on Friday after he allegedly attempted to flee a Vibe service station in Perth's southeast without paying for fuel in March.
The 39-year-old, who was not represented by a lawyer, was not required to enter a plea and was granted home detention bail, two days short of his 40th birthday.
Relieved and emotional, McCagh repeatedly thanked magistrate Janie Gibbs for the decision, as he appeared via video-link from Hakea Prison, where he has been in custody for more than a fortnight.
"I'm so grateful," he said before telling Ms Gibbs she could return him to custody and "throw away the key" if he breached his bail conditions.
"Thank you so much, Your Honour."
McCagh also offered to pay for the fuel he allegedly stole from Vibe Armadale.
"I'm very sorry for everything I've done," he said.
"I stuffed up ... Never again.
"I'd like to say sorry to the victim."
"Probably not at this stage," Ms Gibbs said, as she urged McCagh to apply for Legal Aid before his next court date.
McCagh's home detention conditions include not approaching the male service station worker, who sustained serious facial injuries and required medical treatment after the alleged incident.
He is also not permitted within 200 metres of the service station.
"I don't need to go near that place," McCagh said.
"I'm staying at home, Your Honour. I'm following my home detention 100 per cent."
McCagh is charged with stealing, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, failing to stop and report the incident, and using false number plates.
He is scheduled to return to Armadale Magistrates Court on May 14.
