Postman charged over mail thefts

A postman has appeared in court charged with stealing more than 130,000 undelivered letters and leaflets.

Nicholas Fryer, of Mellard Street, Audley, Staffordshire, appeared before Stoke-on-Trent Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old is alleged to have stolen 5,577 postal packages in Nantwich, Cheshire, and 127,918 items in Audley over 15 months.

He was bailed to appear at the same court on 10 August.

Mr Fryer, who was based at the Kidsgrove delivery office, is also accused of one offence of false accounting, in connection with the alleged non-delivery of 641 items of mail.