Parcelforce driver stole GBP31,000 worth of packages to sell on eBay

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Michal Biernacki plundered nearly 250 items from Royal Mail including luxury electrical goods and cosmetics

A Parcelforce driver stole more than £31,000 worth of items from Royal Mail to sell on eBay.

Michal Biernacki plundered 244 items in three months, most of which were high value electrical, cosmetic and designer clothing products.

But he was rumbled after a customer complained they had not received their item, which turned up on his eBay account.

Police subsequently raided his home and found hundreds of items matching those which had been reported missing as well as some listed on the online selling website. Biernacki, aged 37, of Reedswood Close, Walsall, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and one of converting criminal property.

At Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, September 14, he was sentenced to 15 months custody, suspended for two years, after a judge ruled it was unlikely prison would rehabilitate him.

Biernacki stole the parcels between June and October 2019.

Prosecutor Lachlan Stewart said: "During the period the contents of a large number of parcels went missing through Parcelforce's depot in Birmingham. Items included electronic equipment, designer clothing and cosmetics, generally luxury items.

"The parcels were often marked for international shipping. The recipients received empty boxes without the contents. The defendant was first brought to the prosecution's attention after a victim of theft posted they had not received their item.

"It was then advertised for sale by Michal3648 on eBay. This was assigned to the defendant. A search of his home and vehicle took place. Hundreds of items matching those gone missing were found."

Biernacki made £14,226.20 profit from the stolen goods. While most of the victims were compensated some international customers, particularly from China, were not. The total value of goods stolen was £31,800.

Mark Jackson, defending, stated Biernacki was currently working as an agency driver and living in rented accommodation with his wife and two children.

He said: "It is suggested this was sophisticated but I respectfully disagree. The duration and number of items doesn't make it sophisticated. At the end of the day he takes parcels and puts them on his own eBay account."

Passing sentence Recorder Michelle Heeley QC said: "Until these convictions you were a man of good character. You have lost that good character. You have a wife and family. You have let them down and you have let your employer down.

"You did not stop and think about the consequences of your crimes. This was a high degree of trust (breached)."

But confirming he would not be jailed immediately the judge added: "Prison is meant to punish people like you who steal from hard-working people. But my role as judge is both to punish and assist in rehabilitation.

"I have to consider you are a low risk of re-offending and low risk of harm. Prison would punish you but I am not sure it would necessarily rehabilitate you. Balancing my duties I believe you can be rehabilitated in the community."

Biernacki must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirement, 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £2,000 in prosecution costs.