A former Stevenage Borough Council worker from Baldock has been given a suspended sentence after admitting to selling building materials owned by the local authority for his own gain. 

Sean Guiliano, 38, appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court in February, and pleaded guilty to one count under the Fraud Act 2006.

On Wednesday, May 24, the same court handed him a 14-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay £1,000 in compensation to Stevenage Borough Council.

Giulliano had been employed by the local authority as a roofer, and an investigation by the Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service identified that he had been selling building materials belonging to the council, including lead flashing, for personal gain between 2017 and 2021.

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The court heard that he had abused his position and took advantage of the trust placed in him to safeguard the financial interests of the council.

His actions caused a loss to Stevenage Borough Council of £26,000. The council will be seeking full recovery of the public money that Guiliano stole alongside the compensation he will pay via the court.

Councillor Joan Lloyd, executive member for resources and transformation, said: "This is not acceptable, and this case highlights that we take any cases of fraudulent behaviour very seriously.

"I am pleased that through our work with our Shared Anti-Fraud Service, we are able to identify and prosecute fraud.

"Our council delivers over 120 services to 87,500 Stevenage residents. We can’t allow anyone including staff to take advantage and illegally profit from council materials and services.

"We hope that this case will act as a deterrent to not take risks or jeopardise their future with a possible criminal record."

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service works in partnership with Local Authorities to investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud.

You can report suspected fraud against Stevenage Borough Council in the strictest confidence.

For more information, and to report your concerns, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/reportfraud, email fraud.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 123 4033.