Leicester postman stashed undelivered mail

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/P ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A postman hid nearly 15,000 undelivered items of mail – and tried to turn some of the letters into compost.

Nicholas Allen stashed other letters in a garden shed, under the patio decking and in his car.

Leicester Crown Court was told the 27-year-old was unable to cope with his job due to depression.

John Dove, prosecuting, said Allen was based at the Swan House delivery office at Leicester's Meridian Business Park.

In October and November 2010, postal losses were higher than elsewhere and an inquiry led to a search of Allen's former home in Leicester.

In the garden shed were 15 sacks of undelivered mail, a wheelie bin was full with door-to-door mail and other letters were at the bottom of the garden in a compost pile.

The court heard he had tried to turn the letters into compost. More post was found under the decking and in his car.

Many of the 14,762 items were unidentifiable but among the hoard were 33 DVDS from online rental company Love Film, 172 greeting cards, 42 cheques, 88 Giros, nine recorded delivery items and two passports.

Numerous items had to be destroyed because they were so damaged.

Mr Dove said: "A lot of mail was from the previous 12 months, and some up to three years old."

When questioned, Allen – whose delivery walks were in the Braunstone area – said he was relieved the discovery had been made.

He was on anti-depressants, following a break-up with his partner.

The mounds of mail had also caused arguments between them, the court was told.

Allen, of Gallards Hill, Braunstone, admitted two counts of intentionally delaying mail in the course of transmission by post and one of intentionally damaging mail, between October 2008 and November 2010. He was given a 12-month community sentence, with 50 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Michael Pert QC said the delay in bringing the case to court was not Allen's fault.

He said: "You've not been convicted of dishonesty.

"It arises from inadequacy due to the strain of your personal life which meant you weren't able to complete your duties as a postman.

"It means I can take a more sympathetic view."

Allen, who entered the postal service in January 2004, had a good work record until he became depressed.

He has since moved on with his life and is now working for a removal company.

Paul Trotter, mitigating, said Allen found it difficult to cope at the time, because his parents were also ill and his partner was suffering from post-natal depression.

Mr Trotter said: "He's never been in trouble in his life before. He was working well until personal pressures got on top of him.

[REDLETTER]

He wasn't that depresssed when he was going out from his home 1 1/2 hrs early suited and booted, whilst I was out still delivering mail to his F*cking house. Scumbag! Made us all look bad!

And he was a Linos pet, could do no wrong!

[Lounge Lizard]

He wasn't that depresssed when he was going out from his home 1 1/2 hrs early suited and booted, whilst I was out still delivering mail to his F*cking house. Scumbag! Made us all look bad!

And he was a Linos pet, could do no wrong!

In that case you should write to Judge Michael Pert QC at Leicester Crown Court pointing out that as he was home 1½ hours early it's a lie that "you weren't able to complete your duties as a postman" and not only should the lenient 'sympathetic' sentence be reviewed but also a charge of perverting the course of justice should now be considered.

[Straight4ward]

He has since moved on with his life and is now working for a removal company.

Very apt.

Redletter, out of curiosity, was he using a private car on delivery?
(How else would he have got all this stuff home?)

[REDLETTER]

He has since moved on with his life and is now working for a removal company.

Very apt.

Redletter, out of curiosity, was he using a private car on delivery?
(How else would he have got all this stuff home?)

Yep, most of the staff still use their cars and job and finish still exists ( only have to drop off at Post Office)

Didn't get caught as he was a floater/spare on different walks as and when!

lenient 'sympathetic' sentence

He has a new job, I reckon that was a factor in this, as "he has turned his life around"