Fuel Card Fraudsters Stole Over £20,000 in Petrol Scam
Three individuals have been implicated in a sophisticated petrol fraud operation, illegally using company fuel cards to purchase £20,485.53 worth of fuel over a six-month period. The mastermind, Matthew Lockley, alongside Lachlan Cunliffe, exploited their positions to buy fuel in bulk, which was then sold at discounted prices to Stephen Cartwright.
Details of the Elaborate Fuel Scam
The fraudulent activities began after Lockley secured employment at HHG Recovery on September 3, 2023. Utilizing the company's fuel cards, Lockley and Cunliffe made numerous unauthorized purchases until their scheme was uncovered on February 24, 2024. Prosecutors revealed that the duo not only filled their personal vans but also stored excess fuel in drums concealed within the vehicles.
Prosecutor Matthew Ness detailed the investigation, stating: "An employee flagged suspicious transactions on the company's fuel card account. A search revealed three missing fuel cards, and GPS data showed company lorries were absent during the purchases."
CCTV footage from Sainsbury's confirmed Lockley and Cunliffe were using the cards, with Lockley notably attempting to avoid camera detection. Additionally, the fraudsters accrued Nectar points from their illicit fuel buys, adding insult to injury for the defrauded company.
Court Proceedings and Defendant Statements
When apprehended by police, 35-year-old Lockley infamously inquired, 'Is this about fuel or some s**t?' A subsequent search of his van uncovered fuel containers, corroborating the evidence against him.
Lockley, residing on Station Road in Newchapel, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud. Despite having 13 convictions for 39 offences and a prior jail term for fraud in June 2025, his defense highlighted recent positive changes.
Robert Holt, mitigating for Lockley, explained: "He has turned over a new leaf, founding his own company and training dogs. He has offered full repayment to his former employer and written apology letters to past victims." Holt attributed Lockley's actions to financial pressures from his girlfriend's drug debts.
Lachlan Cunliffe, 25, of Dale Crescent in Congleton, also admitted to fraud. His defense, presented by Edmund Potts, emphasized his naivety and manipulation by his half-brother Lockley, noting his suitability for mental health treatment.
Stephen Cartwright, 55, of Linda Road in Tunstall, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods. His lawyer, Anis Ali, stated Cartwright regretted his involvement and had since distanced himself from criminal activities.
Sentencing and Consequences
Judge Graeme Smith delivered the following sentences at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court:
- Matthew Lockley: Received a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, plus 22 rehabilitation days and 300 hours of unpaid labour. He was ordered to repay the full £20,485.53 to HHG Recovery and an additional £1,000 in costs.
- Lachlan Cunliffe: Handed a seven-month suspended sentence for 12 months, with a one-year mental health treatment requirement, 15 rehabilitation days, and 100 hours of unpaid labour. He must pay £250 in costs.
- Stephen Cartwright: Given a four-month suspended sentence for 12 months, alongside 60 hours of unpaid work and £1,000 in costs.
The case underscores the vulnerabilities in corporate fuel card systems and the legal system's approach to rehabilitation for non-violent offenders. All defendants avoided immediate custody, with conditions aimed at restitution and personal reform.
