Devonport dock worker stole diesel to fund addiction

The thefts caused an expensive three day delay to the Royal Navy's amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark

A dock worker with a gambling addiction and drink and drug problem stole fuel from Western Europe's largest naval base to pay his debts, a court heard.

Lee Mann stole thousands of litres of red diesel from Devonport Dockyard and sold it cut price, the court was told.

The thefts caused an expensive three-day delay to the Royal Navy's amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark.

Mann, 35, of York Road, Plymouth, admitted two charges of stealing fuel valued at just over £9,000.

Plymouth Crown Court heard Mann sold the fuel in August and September 2021 to friends and relatives in the fairground industry for £3,200.

Mann was employed at the base as a project support engineer by Babcock International.

Drug debts

Red diesel fuel was pumped from large generators into 1,000-litre (22-gallon) containers and Mann organised these to be delivered to Elburton FC in Devon, where he sold the fuel for £200 a container.

The court heard Mann's motivation was his gambling addiction and debts he had from drink and drug habits.

Mann asked for three other similar offences to be taken into consideration that were valued at more than £15,000.

Defence barrister Ali Rafati said Mann "played his part in the theft from Babcock International", but said he had no previous convictions and did charitable work and coached football.

Judge Peter Johnson said: "You were trusted clearly but behaved dishonestly on five occasions."

He jailed him for eight months, suspended for two years, and ordered he carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay back £9,166 in compensation.

Devonport, which has been supporting the Royal Navy since 1691, covers more than 650 acres (265 hectares) and has 15 dry docks, four miles (6.5km) of waterfront, 25 tidal berths and five basins.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it did not discuss security arrangements at its bases.

It said in a statement: "The Ministry of Defence Police are committed to supporting the Ministry of Defence in protecting its people, assets, and estate.

"Those suspected of criminal activity against the MoD will be subject to robust investigation, and criminal proceedings where appropriate, to ensure that justice is served."