Postman caught in stolen G-string

A Dorset postman who stole parcels was caught in a sting operation wearing a woman's G-string he had taken.

Matthew Furness, 35, from Weymouth, admitted stealing postal packages belonging to Royal Mail twice in 2007.

Weymouth Magistrates' Court heard mail bosses became suspicious when packages went missing and posted a "fake" parcel containing underwear to catch him out.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 in costs at Weymouth Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that on 1 October 2007, Furness failed to give an incorrectly addressed package containing a DVD horror film, The Burning, to another sorting bay to deal with.

The film had been planted in his postbag with the wrong address, as part of a sting operation.

Bra and thong

A similar operation then took place on 6 December when a bra and a thong, worth £49, were placed in the system.

Furness was caught on CCTV keeping the items for himself.

He initially denied stealing, despite items being found in his jacket pocket, saying he was "stitched up".

But police found Furness was wearing the missing thong when they asked him to strip, the court heard.

The bra was not found but the DVD was discovered at his home, the hearing heard.

Ian Brazier, defending, told the court that Furness was an "opportunist" rather than a sophisticated thief and that he was undergoing counselling.