Man admits several counts of fraud and wearing military uniform without permission

40-year-old came to the Island on a work permit gained with fake qualifications

A man will be sentenced later this year after fraudulently obtaining a work permit, faking qualifications, defrauding local businesses and stealing and wearing a military uniform without authority.

Christoper Stocks, currently care of the Isle of Man Prison, appeared at Douglas Courthouse today (3 March) where he entered seven guilty pleas.

The 40-year-old moved to the Island with his wife and children in July 2024 with a work permit in place that he had gained based on false qualifications.

Police were alerted by a member of the public to the deception.

It was later revealed that Stocks had submitted fake City & Guilds certificates to the Department for Enterprise, as well as subsequent employers.

His employers also alerted police that he wasn't a qualified electrician, raising concerns about his abilities in the field.

Elsewhere, the court heard he had organised and taken delivery of goods, including a sofa and bedroom furniture, worth £5,590 from Homeco in Douglas, and a six-person hot tub, worth £16,385, from Arctic Spas Isle of Man.

He had sent falsified screenshots as evidence of payment; however, each company never received any money.

They made repeated attempts to obtain payment, to no avail.

In a separate incident, Stocks stole military uniform and equipment worth £340.

He later wore the uniform without authority - an offence which is illegal under the Uniforms Act 1894.

Addressing the court, Stocks' advocate said the furniture and hot tub were returned to the companies upon his arrest, questioning the value lost as a result.

He also described his client as having Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), formerly known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood declined jurisdiction.

A social enquiry report has been requested before Stocks is sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery; he’ll next appear there on 20 March.