Police who raided the Northern Eire residence of a mechanic suspected of theft discovered £3,782 value of things, together with automobile components, that he had taken from his employer.
A courtroom heard that it wasn’t simply the worth of the thefts that introduced this occasion to courtroom, however the breach of belief.
What was worse was that the car technician was working for Police Service Northern Eire (PSNI), and for some 30 years had been employed in its motor transport division the place he maintained police automobiles.
The search on the residence of Brian Milne, from Derrygonnelly, discovered tyres, shock absorbers, a stress washer, oil sprays and different automobile components after monetary pressures led him to resort to theft.
In keeping with the Fermanagh Herald, Choose Brian Sherrard mentioned: “This represents an appalling breach of belief in opposition to your employer. You appeared to have adopted the view that a number of the gadgets taken had been scrap or certainly it was merely frequent case for gadgets to be taken.
“It’s clear the thefts had been at the least partially to satisfy a deterioration in your individual funds. Some gadgets ended up being offered whereas others lay in your storage for years.
“I’m conscious this represents an enormous fall from grace. It appears possible these offences got here at a time of immense stress each economically and in your loved ones life … Nonetheless, any theft comparable to this has an influence on the general public purse and public confidence.”
Milne was given a 10-month jail sentence suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay the complete quantity in compensation.
Prosecution counsel Simon Reid mentioned: “The loss to PSNI was £3,782. It’s not a lot the worth of the thefts which introduced this to the courtroom, however the breach of belief facet.”
Brian Milne’s defence barrister mentioned his consumer was underneath “nice pressure attributable to extreme tasks of monetary pressures” after he and his spouse began constructing a brand new household residence.
“They acquired themselves into vital debt, by no fault of their very own. The defendant was underneath vital monetary pressure and nonetheless is. It’s accepted culpability is excessive as is the breach of belief however the motivation was to not contribute to any type of opulent or lavish life-style however to chop just a few corners to make ends meet.”