A military veteran involved in a significant fuel fraud operation at a service station near Invergowrie, within the Perth and Kinross area, has been ordered by a local court to make restitution for the substantial losses incurred. Brendan Scanlan, aged 31, admitted his central role in orchestrating a scheme that allowed other motorists to obtain vehicle fuel without payment at the Bullionfield premises located directly off the A90.
The intricate deception, which involved Scanlan illicitly using his employer’s corporate payment card to cover the cost of fuel for acquaintances who were simultaneously filling their tanks at adjacent pumps, persisted for a period of six weeks. The fraudulent activity ceased only when his company uncovered the irregularities and promptly alerted law enforcement. Investigations revealed that Scanlan had engaged in a total of 26 illicit transactions, accumulating a debt of £8,254 worth of fuel.
During the court proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, details emerged regarding Scanlan’s personal circumstances that led to his involvement in the scheme. His defence explained that he had anticipated receiving a substantial compensation payout from the Ministry of Defence. This expected sum was intended to address hearing damage he sustained during his military service, and Scanlan had harboured intentions of using it to fully reimburse the affected fuel retailer. However, this expectation was not met, as the final settlement he received was considerably less than initially advised by his legal representatives. While he was told he could expect £58,000, the actual amount was £11,000, which, after various deductions, left him with approximately £8,800.
Solicitor Mark Robbins, representing Scanlan, highlighted his client’s existing financial difficulties, including significant drug-related debts that his father had previously settled. He also noted Scanlan’s current efforts to address outstanding obligations to HMRC. The court was informed that Scanlan had lost his lucrative employment following the exposure of the fraud but had since secured a factory position, demonstrating his commitment to re-establishing a stable work life.
Presiding over the case, Sheriff William Wood, delivering the sentence at Perth Sheriff Court, characterised Scanlan’s actions as “quite a cynical crime.” He acknowledged the impact this had on Scanlan’s former employment but expressed satisfaction at his return to work. The Sheriff imposed a community payback order, requiring Scanlan to undertake 140 hours of unpaid work within the local community. Additionally, he was placed under supervision for a period of one year. A confiscation order was issued for the full amount of £8,524, with an initial payment of £500 required immediately.
Concluding his remarks, Sheriff Wood conveyed a poignant message to Scanlan, expressing his hope that, for his own dignity, he would manage to repay the entire sum. “I know that as a former soldier that will be important to you,” the Sheriff stated, underscoring the intrinsic value of honour and accountability that often resonates within the military community.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities within our local communities, reinforcing the commitment of the justice system in Perth and Kinross to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to ensure victims are compensated where possible. The ruling from Perth Sheriff Court sends a clear message that such deceptions will be met with firm legal repercussions, while also acknowledging the individual’s journey towards rehabilitation and personal responsibility.
The intricate deception, which involved Scanlan illicitly using his employer’s corporate payment card to cover the cost of fuel for acquaintances who were simultaneously filling their tanks at adjacent pumps, persisted for a period of six weeks. The fraudulent activity ceased only when his company uncovered the irregularities and promptly alerted law enforcement. Investigations revealed that Scanlan had engaged in a total of 26 illicit transactions, accumulating a debt of £8,254 worth of fuel.
During the court proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, details emerged regarding Scanlan’s personal circumstances that led to his involvement in the scheme. His defence explained that he had anticipated receiving a substantial compensation payout from the Ministry of Defence. This expected sum was intended to address hearing damage he sustained during his military service, and Scanlan had harboured intentions of using it to fully reimburse the affected fuel retailer. However, this expectation was not met, as the final settlement he received was considerably less than initially advised by his legal representatives. While he was told he could expect £58,000, the actual amount was £11,000, which, after various deductions, left him with approximately £8,800.
Solicitor Mark Robbins, representing Scanlan, highlighted his client’s existing financial difficulties, including significant drug-related debts that his father had previously settled. He also noted Scanlan’s current efforts to address outstanding obligations to HMRC. The court was informed that Scanlan had lost his lucrative employment following the exposure of the fraud but had since secured a factory position, demonstrating his commitment to re-establishing a stable work life.
Presiding over the case, Sheriff William Wood, delivering the sentence at Perth Sheriff Court, characterised Scanlan’s actions as “quite a cynical crime.” He acknowledged the impact this had on Scanlan’s former employment but expressed satisfaction at his return to work. The Sheriff imposed a community payback order, requiring Scanlan to undertake 140 hours of unpaid work within the local community. Additionally, he was placed under supervision for a period of one year. A confiscation order was issued for the full amount of £8,524, with an initial payment of £500 required immediately.
Concluding his remarks, Sheriff Wood conveyed a poignant message to Scanlan, expressing his hope that, for his own dignity, he would manage to repay the entire sum. “I know that as a former soldier that will be important to you,” the Sheriff stated, underscoring the intrinsic value of honour and accountability that often resonates within the military community.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities within our local communities, reinforcing the commitment of the justice system in Perth and Kinross to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to ensure victims are compensated where possible. The ruling from Perth Sheriff Court sends a clear message that such deceptions will be met with firm legal repercussions, while also acknowledging the individual’s journey towards rehabilitation and personal responsibility.