The Preston Crown Court in the UK has sentenced 38-year-old Richard Brown to 27 months in prison for fraud involving his position of trust. According to his defense, the proceeds from his fraudulent activities were used to fund his gambling addiction.
Since 2020, Brown had been employed at the construction company Garden Store Direct. Taking advantage of the trust placed in him by management, he secretly sold new garden furniture belonging to his employer on eBay, shipping it in branded packaging through the corporate courier service.
The total damage caused amounted to approximately $202,000, with an additional $44,000 that Brown borrowed from his employer and failed to repay. The scheme was uncovered by the managing director of the organization, who noticed the company's products listed on eBay at slightly above cost price. After purchasing one of the items, he discovered it was shipped with the company's branded tape.
According to the defense, Brown was constantly trying to win back his losses and played using his smartphone. To make amends, he even negotiated with the company to sell his own house.