Five former Southeastern workers have been sentenced for fraud after stealing more than £185,000 from the firm using ticket machines.

The group, including one man from Gillingham, committed the offences at station booking offices operated by the rail firm.

While working at Greenwich and Woolwich Arsenal railway stations, the five misused ticket machines used to credit Oyster cards.

It is thought they voided tickets without giving refunds, and then pocketed the cash - totalling more than £185,000.

British Transport Police officers launched an investigation in 2012, and worked closely with Southeastern and Transport for London to snare the culprits.

Douglas O’Dwyer, 39, of Thamesbank Place, Thamesmead, Michael Fleming, 43, of Donaldson Road, Woolwich, John Benge, 61, Roberts Road, Belvedere, Kent, Nigel Moss, 56, of Poppy Close, Gillingham, Kent and Avtar Bains, 39, of Tyron Road, East Ham, appeared before Blackfriars Crown Court on Monday, charged with fraud by abuse of position.

"These men took advantage of their position to steal money and tickets from the train company and customers..." - Det Insp Ashley Cooper

The men were each charged with fraud by abuse of position and all pleaded guilty.

Dwyer was handed two-and-a-half years in prison, Fleming was handed a year and John Benge received 10 months.

Moss and Bains both received suspended sentences of six and eight months respectively, and were ordered to carry out unpaid work and pay costs.

Detective Inspector Ashley Cooper from BTP said: "The sentence handed down by the judge shows that British Transport Police do not tolerate any type of fraud, no matter the amount, no matter who is responsible.

"These men took advantage of their position to steal money and tickets from the train company and customers.

"I hope the sentence will deter anyone who tries to commit fraud, and serve as a warning that BTP will do everything in its power to identify and prosecute those responsible."

A Southeastern spokesman said: "Successful prosecution of any crime relating to our network is essential because fraud costs money that would otherwise go towards running and improving our service.

"This type of incident is very rare and we have processes in place to detect fraud. We've worked very closely with BTP and Transport for London on this case and we are pleased this matter is now closed."