Graeme Loveland and Dennis Wakeling, prominent Thurrock businessmen, have been sentenced to jail terms following their conviction for multiple offenses of theft and money laundering. The duo, who were the sole directors of the Thurrock Local Enterprise Agency (TLEA), stole more than £3.5 million from the company, which was supposed to support and promote business opportunities in the borough.
Key points of the case and sentencing:
- Graeme Loveland received a prison sentence of five and a half years, while Dennis Wakeling was sentenced to three years.
- The charges stemmed from the sale of a major asset of TLEA, the Thurrock Enterprise Centre on Maidstone Road in Grays, with proceeds intended for investment in a new site and support for local start-up companies.
- Loveland was found guilty of taking over £1.995 million, which he spent on classic cars, a property in Italy, and holidays, while Wakeling took just over £1.32 million, which he used to support his struggling family-run business.
- Both men will be required to serve at least half of their sentences behind bars.
- Grahame Thomas, a former close friend and mentor to Loveland and Wakeling, was hailed as a “hero for justice” by the judge. Thomas had initially attempted to resolve the situation privately but eventually involved the police, leading to the investigation and trial.
- Judge Hurst disqualified both convicted men from serving as directors of companies for ten years.
- The judge commended Thomas for his role in bringing the case to light and awarded him a £500 reward for his efforts.
- Confiscation proceedings to recover assets are planned and are expected to be completed by March the following year.
The case highlighted the misuse of funds intended for community development and the impact of such actions on local businesses and the community. It also underscores the legal consequences of financial wrongdoing, including theft and money laundering, and the importance of accountability in business and financial matters.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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