The former manager of Southend Pier has been convicted of fraud and money laundering after selling scrap metal from the iconic landmark for personal gain.

Lee Sturgeon, 50, of Arnold Avenue, Southend, has been fined almost £5,000 and ordered to complete community service after entering a guilty plea to fraud by abuse of position and money laundering offences.

He was sentenced at Southend Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday, following a thorough investigation by the council's counter fraud and investigation team.

Sturgeon has been ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay Southend Council £2,000 in costs, as well as £2,595 in compensation.

The investigation began after allegations surfaced that Mr Sturgeon had been selling scrap metal from Southend Pier for personal gain.

With assistance from the council’s licensing team, investigators identified a significant payment of £2,595 to Sturgeon from a local scrap metal dealer for a large quantity of metal delivered by lorry on 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.

Following the conviction, Martin Terry, councillor 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.

“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.”

In response to the investigation, the council conducted an independent review of the pier’s procedure and processes.

While no health or safety concerns were found, the council reaffirmed its commitment to combatting fraud and safeguarding public resources.

Southend Council urges residents to report any suspicions of fraud to its dedicated counter fraud team. Reports can be made anonymously via email at counterfraud@southend.gov.uk or by calling 01702 215254.