Mechanic stole to make up for pay cut
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by Phil Coleman
A mechanic who claimed his weekly wage was cut by £80 took his revenge by stealing more than £600 worth of diesel from his employer, Carlisle magistrates heard last week. It was alleged that Mark Foster stole the fuel just a few months after he called at the city's Kingstownbased Cumbria Truck Centre and persuaded a director to give him ajob.
Foster pleaded guilty to two counts of steal
ing diesel last December; four similar offences were taken into consideration.
Paul Grieveson, prosecuting, described how Foster had been entrusted with a fuel store key for his work as a mechanic, which involved maintaining vehicles and carrying out roadside repairs.
"Things were satisfactory for a couple of months, but it was discovered that quantities of diesel were disappearing from the company's store," said Grieveson. Another employee reported seeing Foster take fuel from the store.
Checks later revealed diesel was taken without permission on at least six occasions, with the total value of the missing fuel exceeding £600. When questioned, Foster admitted the theft.
For Foster, Pauline Butler said the offences were sparked by splitting up from his girlfriend and turning to drink.
Magistrates gave him 40 hours' community service and 18 months' probation. He must also pay £481.98 compensation to Cumbria Truck Centre and £80 costs. The company earlier deducted £150 from his wages in part compensation.