Aberdeen postman stole mail money

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article ... 5?UserKey=

Sacked man spared prison

By Lynn Kernan

Published: 03/11/2008

A POSTMAN who stole cash from packages in Aberdeen narrowly escaped being jailed.

Instead Craig Bruce, 34, was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.

Royal Mail bosses today blasted Bruce saying he tarnished the reputation of hard-working postmen.

Dad-of-two Bruce previously admitted opening a mail bag and taking 10 packets when he was working at Aberdeen’s Kittybrewster delivery office.

The court heard that Royal Mail customers began to complain that packages had gone missing.

It previously emerged that there had been a “marked increase” in complaints in the area.

Police became involved and, when asked about the thefts, Bruce admitted he had taken packages which were items such as greetings cards.

The stolen cash was estimated to total between £150 and £200.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “It is a serious criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail.

“The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to this business and Royal Mail will take whatever action is necessary against anyone caught committing such an offence.

“Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women.”

Sheriff Kenneth Stewart said reports on Bruce indicated that the former postman, who was sacked from his job, viewed himself as the victim.

The court heard Bruce had said he lost “the best job” he had ever had.

Sheriff Stewart told the court: “It is all self, self, self. He doesn’t appear to have any remorse whatsoever.”

But defence agent Kevin Longino said Bruce was remorseful and had fully cooperated with police and his employers.

He added that first-offender Bruce had found a new job but lost this when reports of his offending made the headlines.

“He certainly has had to deal with the consequences, not just for himself but for his family too,” said Mr Longino.

Bruce, of 33 Farquhar Road, Aberdeen, admitted stealing 10 packets from the Kittybrewster delivery office on Ashgrove Road.

He further admitted opening a mail bag without reasonable excuse while employed as a postal worker.

Sheriff Stewart told Bruce: “It is almost inevitable that a postman who tampers with the post or opens letters goes to jail whether or not they have a record.

“Although this was a serious breach of trust you have never been in trouble before.”

Instead of sending Bruce to prison, Sheriff Stewart ordered him to carry out community service.

[Lounge Lizard]

http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article ... 5?UserKey=

Sacked man spared prison

By Lynn Kernan

Published: 03/11/2008

A POSTMAN who stole cash from packages in Aberdeen narrowly escaped being jailed.

Instead Craig Bruce, 34, was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.

Royal Mail bosses today blasted Bruce saying he tarnished the reputation of hard-working postmen.

Dad-of-two Bruce previously admitted opening a mail bag and taking 10 packets when he was working at Aberdeen’s Kittybrewster delivery office.

The court heard that Royal Mail customers began to complain that packages had gone missing.

It previously emerged that there had been a “marked increase” in complaints in the area.

Police became involved and, when asked about the thefts, Bruce admitted he had taken packages which were items such as greetings cards.

The stolen cash was estimated to total between £150 and £200.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “It is a serious criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail.

“The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to this business and Royal Mail will take whatever action is necessary against anyone caught committing such an offence.

“Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women.”

Sheriff Kenneth Stewart said reports on Bruce indicated that the former postman, who was sacked from his job, viewed himself as the victim.

The court heard Bruce had said he lost “the best job” he had ever had.

Sheriff Stewart told the court: “It is all self, self, self. He doesn’t appear to have any remorse whatsoever.”

But defence agent Kevin Longino said Bruce was remorseful and had fully cooperated with police and his employers.

He added that first-offender Bruce had found a new job but lost this when reports of his offending made the headlines.

“He certainly has had to deal with the consequences, not just for himself but for his family too,” said Mr Longino.

Bruce, of 33 Farquhar Road, Aberdeen, admitted stealing 10 packets from the Kittybrewster delivery office on Ashgrove Road.

He further admitted opening a mail bag without reasonable excuse while employed as a postal worker.

Sheriff Stewart told Bruce: “It is almost inevitable that a postman who tampers with the post or opens letters goes to jail whether or not they have a record.

“Although this was a serious breach of trust you have never been in trouble before.”

Instead of sending Bruce to prison, Sheriff Stewart ordered him to carry out community service.

But is 'Craig Bruce, 34' a descendent of Robert the Bruce ?
Really letting the old family down if he is !

[not me]

it should be an automatic prison sentence for mail theft IMO