Preston worker committed fraud to gain power tools

Kieran Woodcock, of Pines Walks, Preston, was convicted of abusing his position at Keyline Civils and Drainage, a building materials firm on Watery Lane, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, intending to make a financial gain - power tools - for himself.

He denied the charge but was found guilty after a trial before Preston Magistrates’ Court.

The bench was told the tools involved were worth £558.

Prosecutors said the 25-year-old had acted against the financial interests of the firm on May 8, 2019.

The haul included two Makita DAB Jobsite Radios DMR109 costing £131.11 and a Makita 18V LXT two piece kit costing £295.81.

Woodcock was also found guilty of a similar charge from May 17, 2019 relating to a Makita 18V LXT white combi drill and a Makita 230MM 110V angle grinder, together valued at £288.11.

The bench ordered him to pay a £300 fine.

He must also pay compensation of £846.14 to his former employers at a rate of £20 a month.

No costs were ordered.

Fraud costs UK business £190m a year. The Natwest bank has stated about 40% of that figure is stolen by staff.