Custody photographs of two men who were jailed for defrauding New Forest District Council have been released by police.

Richard Cullen and Mark Diaper were jailed for seven years, eight months between them last week after they admitted bribery and fraud. 

The court heard how Cullen, a maintenance operative officer, at New Forest District Council had been handing out lucrative contracts to his friend Mark Diaper

Daily Echo: Mark Diaper.Mark Diaper. (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

In exchange, Cullen had been given 10 per cent of the profits which saw him benefit from £37,000. 

Diaper meanwhile received £125,000 from the £233,000 worth of fraudulent contracts handed out. 

Daily Echo: Richard CullenRichard Cullen (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Council chief executive, Kate Ryan later said the council's duty to protect public funds is taken "very seriously".

Cullen, 55, of Francis Street, Luton was jailed for five years. 

Diaper, 34, of International Way, Southampton was sentenced to 32 months in prison.