False tanks held duty-free fuel
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• Three Northamptonshire lorry drivers who had false fuel tanks "expertly weldedto their original lorry tanks to carry rebated fuel were each fined £50 at Kettering magistrates' court on Wednesday.
Thomas Monaghan, of Linden Ave., Kettering, Michael Timothy Connelly, of The Oval, Kettering, and Richard William Craig of Sudborough Road, Brigstock, all pleaded guilty to using the unrebated fuel in their tanks with intent to avoid the duty on heavy oils.
A fourth driver, Arthur Edward Ellis, of North St., Raunes, who pleaded guilty to using rebated fuel, was fined £15.
Mr. W. H. Cowham, prosecuting for Customs and Excise, said that duty on gas oil was 2.4d while unrebated fuel carried 4s 6d per gallon duty. -All rebated fuel which is supplied in the market by the refinery contains two invisible chemicals," said Mr. Cowham. "The red dye is also added to make it easily distinguishable."
Police officers and Customs officials inspected Monaghan's lorry and took a sample from the fuel tank which showed it contained rebated oil. After further inspection a second tank was found arid samples showed it contained rebated fuel. Mr. Cowham said, "The fourth tank containing the rebated fuel had been expertly welded on to the existing tank."
Monaghan said he knew it was an offence to use the gas oil tank and said that he had fitted the tank himself. Further investigations showed that someone else was involved in fitting it.
As a result of further information the officers inspected Connelly's lorry. As with Monaghan. the first sample proved negative. They examined the cab and after removing old rags and papers found two cans containing two gallons of gas oil.
Alter unscrewing the fuel gauge they discovered the false tank. "Both fuel tanks were painted the same colour and the fuel pipe lines were connected to a false tank," said Mr. Cowham.
Connelly said he knew it was an offence to use rebated oil.
The officers inspected Craig's lorry when it stopped in Brigstock. A tarpaulin covering was over the fuel tank and when it was removed a second filler cap was revealed. A sample showed it was rebated fuel. Craig told the court he had put the tank in two weeks before.
Willis's vehicle did not contain a false tank but samples from the standard tank showed it contained gas oil.
Mr. Cowham added: "At the time it was in the possession of his son. But from questions he was asked it was certain that his son had nothing to do with the refuelling.
-Willis said he had lent the vehicle to Craig who had left a can of rebated oil in the cab. Willis filled the tank from the can."
On behalf of Monaghan, Connelly and Craig, Mr. J. S. Eastwood said that in succumbing to the temptation all the men had lost a lot of money and their vehicles had been impounded.