Money worries led Nelson postman to steal cash

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A POSTMAN opened greetings cards because of money worries after he was the victim of a hit-and-run crash, a court heard.

Defence solicitor Janet Sime told Reedley magistrates that Thomas Fairburn, had effectively become homeless while working for the Royal Mail at Nelson.

Fairburn opened three greetings cards, stealing a £10 bank note, a Tesco voucher and a car amplifier, the court was told.

He was also found to have stolen three other greetings cards, which had not been opened and which he was intending to return.

Fairburn, formerly of Todmorden Road, Burnley, but now of Imperial Court, admitted two offences of theft, dating back to last March.

Magistrates conditionally discharged him for 12 months and ordered him to pay £400 to the Royal Mail.

John Rostron, representing the Royal Mail, said a manager at the Pendle sorting office had been alerted after it was discovered nearly 240 items of mail, on one of Fairburn's rounds, had not been left in a trolley and not delivered, including three unopened cards.

Fairburn was interviewed and admitted stealing the money and store voucher.

He also confessed that he had sold the amplifier for £20 in a pub.

Ms Sime, defending, said her client had worked for the Royal Mail for two years ago and had enjoyed his role.

But he was the victim of a hit and run accident several months ago and had to take time off work, she added.

He told his bosses, on his return to work, that he could not handle heavy loads but he was ‘pressured’ into taking on more strenuous work, she said.

“He made to carry heavy bags and was in agony,” she added.

Fairburn also had money worries and lost his home, the court was told.