Lorry Driver Caught Stealing Thousands in Red Diesel to Heat Home
Diesel Theft Shock at Top Haulage Firm
A lorry driver has confessed to nicking thousands of pounds worth of red diesel while on the clock at Turners (Soham) Ltd. Jason Randall, 47, from New Zealand, regularly siphoned diesel from lorries parked in a layby near Penrith.
Stealing Fuel to Keep Family Warm
The stolen diesel wasn’t for profit – Randall used it to power a generator heating his family’s home. Turners reckoned he pinched fuel on 138 occasions between October 2018 and May 2022, costing the company £3,384 to £7,464.
Judge Hits with Suspended Prison Sentence and Community Service
Randall was slapped with a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation to Turners.
Soft Spot for Family Struggles
“He didn’t have a particularly high income and money was tight for his three children,” said Solicitor Jeff Smith. “Mr Randall is very sorry and has already lost his job. He isn’t eligible for benefits in the UK.”
The court showed some leniency, but Randall’s actions have come at a cost both to himself and his employer.
