A PROMISING soldier who tried selling night vision equipment he stole from a Brecon Army base on Ebay has been jailed for 20 months.

Steven Barratt, 29, was a soldier of distinction who was destined to reach the higher echelons of the Army before stealing the high tech equipment, worth more than £115,000 from the Dering Lines Infantry Battle School, Brecon.

Nick Gedge, prosecuting at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, said Barratt, who admitted theft, had been attending a platoon sergeant battle course between October and November 2011.

In all, 28 night vision sights of three different types and ammunition magazines were taken.

The court heard the items not only had monetary value to the Army but were also of logistic importance.

"It was the sort of equipment about which there is concern about them falling into the wrong hands," said Mr Gedge.

"These were hi-tech high quality pieces of equipment that should not be in any other but military hands."

Police became aware of the sale of a piece of night vision equipment on Ebay in January 2012 for £2,300 and on investigation although the external serial number plate had been removed, the internal one had remained intact and found to be part of the stolen cache.

Alexander Greenwood, defending Barratt, 29, of Berwyn Road, Liverpool, said he had taken part in five tours of duty.

"He has been exceptionally stupid and it was a decision he will live with a shoulder and regret for the rest of his life. He has ruined his life by virtue of his conduct on one night," he said.

"A headquarters commanding officer said of all his corporals this defendant had the strongest future to be a regimental sergeant major."

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