'Exemplary' Colour sergeant stole military supplies from Shropshire Army base which were sold on e-bay
An 'exemplary' Colour Sergeant stole military equipment from a Shropshire Army base which was later sold on e-bay, a court was told.
Peter Sewell, 42, and from Adderley, Market Drayton, had served his country with distinction during a lengthy career with the 1st Royal Irish Battalion, based at Clive Barracks.
But, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told that the Colour Sergeant, had over the course of two years, stolen ration packs and medical supplies from the Shropshire base.
Danny Smith, prosecuting, said Sewell's role saw him fulfil a trusted position, with keys to all of the bases supply stores.
But Mr Smith explained that Sewell had taken the supplies and sold them to another man, Oliver Barrett.
Barrett, 28, and from Prospect Street, Aberystwyth, had then sold the items on the online auction website e-bay, for a total of £31,195.
The court was told that Sewell had also taken a number of car batteries and sold them to a Hinstock scrapyard - in two lots worth £715 and £608.
Mr Smith said that Sewell has used a military vehicle to transport the items.
Judge Deni Mathews was told that Sewell had been '"living beyond his means" at the time of the offences, "in part because of gambling".
Sewell had pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to steal and two charges of fraud, while Barrett admitted one count of handling stolen goods.
Mr Smith said the items were seen for sale online and identified as UK or NATO military supplies.
He told the court that Barrett's bank accounts were investigated with £31,195 of credits to Peter Sewell discovered, and examination of Sewell's accounts showed the corresponding amounts.
Mr Smith said in his role Sewell had the authority to procure or write off military equipment using a military management system.
He added that Sewell had driven to Mid Wales to hand the goods to Barrett.
In a police interview Barrett admitted receiving stolen goods and paying for them. Sewell made no comment.
Kevin Jones, mitigating on Sewell's behalf, said the breach of trust was significant, telling the court: "In any other industry this would be someone in the stock cupboard taking items for sale."
But he added: "He is a dedicated serviceman who served all his time. It perhaps came as a surprise to me that despite the investigation he was allowed to finish his time in the army."
Mr Jones said Sewell had remained a mentor to others while in the army, and had trained as a gas engineer since leaving.
He said that the the defendant was "dreadfully ashamed" of his actions.
He added: "I ask your honour to suspend the inevitable custodial sentence."
Jeevan Mann, mitigating on behalf of Barrett, said he had pleaded guilty to the offences and had initially believed the goods were legitimate and that he had the authority to sell them.
Sentencing, Judge Mathews said: "There is no doubt Mr Sewell that this was a high breach of trust. You were a senior non-commissioned officer and inevitably you would be trusted with the contact, the dispersal, the ordering of the ration packs and other items of equipment that were part of the unit."
He added: "In short you stole items for them to be sold onwards when the military was at a particularly difficult time of finances, it was also the case I have read it was hard to find replacements because of production restrictions."
But the Judge said Sewell's service to his country was a significant mitigating factor.
He said: "You are a man of previous good character, but more than that you have served with bravery and distinction to the UK.
"I have read references that speak of you in the highest terms from colleagues and those who knew you, and whatever the stupidity and greed you have shown over a period there have been many years when you have served this state as a senior non-commissioned officer in a number of theatres overseas, and for that the state and everyone in it must be grateful."
Judge Mathews said he would not send Sewell to prison - in large part as recognition of his "exemplary conduct as a soldier and a colour sergeant".
Addressing Barrett Judge Matthews said he had carried on selling the items after he knew they were stolen.
But he said he believed he could be rehabilitated in the community.
Sewell was sentenced to a total of 22 months in prison, suspended for two years.
As part of the order he is required to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.
Barett was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
A proceeds of crime hearing will take place in the future in an attempt to recover the money involved in the crime.