Worker stole more than £5,000 from PO to pay off debts

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Worker stole more than £5,000 from Post Office to pay off debts

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A WORKER stole more than £5,000 from a post office to pay off her debts, a court heard.

Employee Hannah Lewis took cash from the till at the Tavistock branch and then altered computer records to cover her tracks.


Lewis, aged 25, took the money because she was £15,000 in debt, Plymouth magistrates were told.

Lewis, of Whitchurch Road, Tavistock, admitted theft of £5,530 from the Post Office and Spar shop in Abbey Place between October 1 and January 4.

Magistrates ruled the case was so serious that she should be sentenced by a judge at Plymouth Crown Court.

Gareth Warden, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said staff were entrusted to cash up at the end of the day and record takings on a computer.

He added any discrepancies should be raised with a manager.

Mr Warden said a spot check on January 4 showed that £5,530 was missing from a till.

Lewis immediately confessed to a manager, the court heard.

Mr Warden said she told police she took between £20 and £80 from the till most days.

He added Lewis claimed she had first taken £20 intending to pay it back, but never had the money.

Mr Warden said she altered computer records to "cover her tracks".

He added Lewis told officers she took the money to pay for her daily living costs and debts of £15,000.

The court heard that Lewis, with no previous convictions, was very sorry for her actions.

Presiding magistrate Helen Harris said the court could only award compensation up to £5,000.

Lewis was released on unconditional bail to appear at Plymouth Crown Court on February 17. A probation officer will prepare a report on her background ready for her sentencing.