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Police who raided the Northern Eire dwelling of a mechanic suspected of theft discovered £3,782 price of things, together with automotive components, that he had taken from his employer.
A court docket heard that it wasn’t simply the worth of the thefts that introduced this occasion to court docket, however the breach of belief.
What was worse was that the automobile 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 autos.
The search on the dwelling of Brian Milne, from Derrygonnelly, discovered tyres, shock absorbers, a stress washer, oil sprays and different automotive components after monetary pressures led him to resort to theft.
Based on the Fermanagh Herald, Decide Brian Sherrard stated: “This represents an appalling breach of belief in opposition to your employer. You appeared to have adopted the view that among the gadgets taken have been scrap or certainly it was merely widespread case for gadgets to be taken.
“It’s clear the thefts have been not less than partly to fulfill a deterioration in your individual funds. Some gadgets ended up being bought whereas others lay in your storage for years.
“I’m conscious this represents an enormous fall from grace. It appears probably these offences got here at a time of immense stress each economically and in your loved ones life … Nonetheless, any theft equivalent to this has an impression 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 stated: “The loss to PSNI was £3,782. It’s not a lot the worth of the thefts which introduced this to the court docket, however the breach of belief facet.”
Brian Milne’s defence barrister stated his shopper was beneath “nice pressure resulting from extreme duties of monetary pressures” after he and his spouse began constructing a brand new household dwelling.
“They received themselves into vital debt, by no fault of their very own. The defendant was beneath 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 form of opulent or lavish life-style however to chop just a few corners to make ends meet.”
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