British officer pleads guilty to stealing £1m from Army in major abuse of power

An Army officer has pleaded guilty to stealing almost £1million from the the British Army and Ministry of Defence.

Jed Charlot, of Chichester Close in Andover, pleaded guilty to fraud through abuse of position, employee theft, and possession of criminal property in Tidworth military barracks.

Salisbury Crown Court heard that he abused his position as quarter master sergeant by intending to make a personal gain of £900,000.

Charlot carried out the offences between December 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022.

Charlot indicated no plea at his first hearing on September 6.

It is understood that the stolen money belonged to the British Army and Ministry of Defence.

Charlot opted to plead guilty at the start of the trial date on October 16.

The officer attended court with a backpack as he was expecting a custodial sentence.

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However, Judge Richard Parkes released him on bail due to his previous good character.

He will appear in court for sentencing on December 13.

Mary Cowe, defending, said Charlot accepts the criminality on full fact basis.

Cowe said that the defendant now resides at an Army accommodation in Tidworth.

She added that he would need time to arrange the accommodation of his family before the sentencing.

Judge Parkes told Charlot: “I shall order a pre-sentence report to understand the background of this case to help with the course of sentence.

“You have surrendered your passport and you shouldn’t apply for any travel documents. You know that it will be a custodial sentence.

“You are released on bail so that you can arrange the accommodation of your family after you are evicted from your Army accommodation.”