Debt-ridden postman stole mail

Royal Mail investigators moved in after complaints from customers

A postman stole mail to try and raise money to pay off his £6,000 debts, Llandudno magistrates have heard.

Michael Taylor, 23, from Llandudno, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft from his Colwyn Bay round.

He also spent up to £40 a week on lottery scratch cards, trying to pay off debts which spiralled because of bank charges, the court heard.

He was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work, placed under a three month curfew from 9pm-6am and pay £200 costs.

The court was told Royal Mail investigators kept watch on him and introduced test packages into his post after five complaints about items not being delivered.

When he was searched, two £10 gift vouchers, and cash - which had been marked - were found.

The prosecution said nearly 50 items of mail were found when his vehicle and bedroom were searched, and two computer games were missing.

The court chairman said Taylor should be ashamed as what he did undermined public confidence in the postal system.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said Taylor had been dismissed when the offences came to light several months ago.

She added: "Royal Mail operates a zero tolerance approach towards any case of dishonesty and will always seek to prosecute when such offences comes to light.

"This stance is shared by the vast majority of our postmen and women who are honest and hardworking and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely. "