Drivers to front Melbourne court charged with stealing fuel from their employer, Ruttley Freight Lines
By Brad Gardner | August 10, 2009
Three people will front a Melbourne court next month charged with stealing fuel from New South Wales carrier Ruttley Freight Lines.
Former Ruttley employees Peter Howarth and Robb Morrison and sub-contractor Laurie Jones will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 7 on one count of theft.
Victoria Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) alleges the two employees gave the fuel card to Jones, who did not work for Ruttley’s, to use.
“A fuel card belonging to Ruttley [Freight Lines] has been used to purchase fuel for people who aren’t employees of Ruttley’s,” Detective Senior Constable Greg Teesdale says.
Police are yet to determine how much fuel was stolen or the cost incurred by Ruttley’s, with Teesdale saying the CIU is still waiting to receive documents.
The carrier, which operates interstate, has about 130 prime movers, while owner Bob Ruttley says his company spends more than $3 million a month on fuel.