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Brecon soldier jailed after stealing night-vision goggles theft to sell on eBay | Brecon soldier jailed after stealing night-vision goggles theft to sell on eBay |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A soldier who stole night vision kit from a military base and tried to sell it on eBay has been jailed. | A soldier who stole night vision kit from a military base and tried to sell it on eBay has been jailed. |
Sgt Maj Steven Barratt, 29, from Liverpool, admitted the theft of 28 hi-tech goggles from Ministry of Defence stores in Brecon, Powys, Merthyr Crown Court heard. | Sgt Maj Steven Barratt, 29, from Liverpool, admitted the theft of 28 hi-tech goggles from Ministry of Defence stores in Brecon, Powys, Merthyr Crown Court heard. |
The kit was found listed on eBay with one set on sale for £2,300. | The kit was found listed on eBay with one set on sale for £2,300. |
Barratt, who was dishonourably discharged from the Army last month, was jailed for 20 months. | Barratt, who was dishonourably discharged from the Army last month, was jailed for 20 months. |
During the hearing, the court was told the items had logistical and financial worth to the Army. | During the hearing, the court was told the items had logistical and financial worth to the Army. |
Prosecutor Nick Gedge said: "It was the sort of equipment about which there is concern about them falling into the wrong hands. | Prosecutor Nick Gedge said: "It was the sort of equipment about which there is concern about them falling into the wrong hands. |
"These were hi-tech high quality pieces of equipment that should not be in any other but military hands." | "These were hi-tech high quality pieces of equipment that should not be in any other but military hands." |
'Gravest danger' | 'Gravest danger' |
Barratt had taken the items from the Dering Lines infantry battle school in Brecon, Powys. | Barratt had taken the items from the Dering Lines infantry battle school in Brecon, Powys. |
He removed the external serial numbers of the goggles before putting them on eBay. One listing quoted a price of £2,300. | He removed the external serial numbers of the goggles before putting them on eBay. One listing quoted a price of £2,300. |
When police examined them they found internal numbers were intact and matched the stolen items, the court heard. | When police examined them they found internal numbers were intact and matched the stolen items, the court heard. |
Barratt, an Afghanistan veteran who had served five tours of duty with the Army, admitted theft. | Barratt, an Afghanistan veteran who had served five tours of duty with the Army, admitted theft. |
Alexander Greenwood, defending, said: "He has been exceptionally stupid and it was a decision he will live with as a soldier and regret for the rest of his life. | Alexander Greenwood, defending, said: "He has been exceptionally stupid and it was a decision he will live with as a soldier and regret for the rest of his life. |
"He has ruined his life by virtue of his conduct on one night." | "He has ruined his life by virtue of his conduct on one night." |
Sentencing Judge Patrick Curran QC said: "You had been a first class soldier and had conducted yourself with a high degree of distinction in the Army. | Sentencing Judge Patrick Curran QC said: "You had been a first class soldier and had conducted yourself with a high degree of distinction in the Army. |
"You have been exposed to enemy fire and have been in the gravest danger in many places and at many times. | "You have been exposed to enemy fire and have been in the gravest danger in many places and at many times. |
"You have acted with conspicuous devotion to duty serving your country in the most difficult circumstances. | "You have acted with conspicuous devotion to duty serving your country in the most difficult circumstances. |
"It is extremely possible that your judgement may have been affected." | "It is extremely possible that your judgement may have been affected." |
An Army spokesman said: "Security measures in light of this incident have been addressed accordingly." |