Tanker driver charged firm for his own private petrol

A TANKER driver who filled his own cans with fuel at a petrol station and then charged it to his employer's account was estimated to have defrauded the company by £1,500, CPS prosecutor Alison May told Truro magistrates.

James Beard, 47, of Bucketts Hill, Redruth, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position occurring on ten occasions between November and December while he was employed by Clearflow.

Ms May said checks were made by the company after rising fuel bills were being submitted and it appeared Beard was not where he was expected to be on the routes for his vehicle. CCTV showed him filling cans with 75 litres of fuel before putting a small quantity into the tanker he was driving and then using the company fuel card for the transaction. He had no previous convictions.

Probation officer Jo Cann said at the time, his work hours had been halved and there were fewer people contributing at his home, meaning that his outgoings were higher. He saw the opportunity to help his family and made what was a foolish decision.

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Beard was put under curfew for 41 days, told to pay compensation of £1,072.50 and £145 costs and surcharge.