The former head of the council’s pier and foreshore service has been fined and ordered to complete community service after entering a guilty plea to fraud by abuse of position and money laundering.
Following investigations by the council's counter fraud and investigation team, Lee Sturgeon, 50, of Arnold Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, was convicted at Southend Magistrates' Court on 2 October 2024, for fraud and money laundering charges. He was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay the Council £2,000 in costs and £2,595 in compensation.
The investigation began after allegations surfaced that Mr Sturgeon had been selling scrap metal from the Pier for personal gain. With assistance from the council's licensing team, investigators identified a significant payment of £2,595 to Mr Sturgeon from a local scrap metal dealer for a large quantity of metal delivered by lorry on Mr Sturgeon's instructions. This payment was not disclosed or forwarded to the Council. The scrap metal came from an old pier train chassis as part of the pier train replacement project in 2022.
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: "We are deeply saddened by the actions of Lee Sturgeon. His conviction for fraud and money laundering is a serious breach of the trust placed in him by the Council and the residents of Southend.
"Fraudulent activities will not be tolerated and those who engage in such behaviour will be held accountable. We are determined to protect our city from fraud and will continue to take strong action against anyone who attempts to exploit their position.
"A huge thank you to the counter fraud and investigation team, and the licensing team, for their hard work in uncovering Mr Sturgeon's actions. Their dedication and thorough investigation efforts were instrumental in bringing this matter to light and ensuring that justice was served.
"We also appreciate the cooperation of all parties involved, including the local scrap metal dealer and the haulier, whose assistance was crucial in the investigation."
As a result of this investigation the Council undertook a full independent review of the procedures and processes at the Pier and no health and safety concerns about the Pier and foreshore were identified. This prosecution demonstrates the Council's resolve and commitment to combatting fraud and protecting the public purse.
Anyone who suspects fraud can report their concerns anonymously to: counterfraud@southend.gov.uk or by calling 01702 215254.