An agency lorry driver who stole thousands of pounds in red diesel to heat his family home while working for haulage firm Turners (Soham) has been sentenced to a 26-week suspended prison term.

Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard that Jason Randall, a 47-year-old lorry driver from New Zealand, had regularly siphoned off red diesel in a lay-by near Penrith. Randall admitted to the theft and stated he had used the red diesel to heat his family’s home.

Turners estimated that Randall stole diesel on 138 occasions between October 2018 and May 2022, costing the company between £3,384 and £7,464.

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Randall's solicitor Jeff Smith told the court that the agency driver, who has three children, “didn’t have a particularly high income” and was short of money.

Smith added that Randall was “very sorry for what he did,” that he had lost his job as a result of his actions, and that he was ineligible for benefits in the UK.

Randall was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and contribute £500 to the compensation fund.

Turners (Soham) has yet to respond to a request for comment.

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