Benefits claimant admits stealing mail from posties

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Bromley Common benefits claimant admits stealing mail from posties

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/10298791._/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A BENEFIT claimant who told News Shopper people turn to crime in order to survive has stayed true to his word – by stealing from postmen doing their rounds.

Benjamin Martin has been jailed for 18 weeks, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to three counts of theft at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

He was also ordered to carry out 280 hours’ unpaid community service as well as participating in an education training and employment programme for 25 days.

His sentence comes just weeks after he spoke about his fears of what will happen once the reforms to the benefit system come in on April 1, with benefits being capped at £500 a week per household.

Back then Martin, of Turpington Lane, Bromley Common, said it was already very difficult for him and his girlfriend to bring up their baby on benefits.

He said: “People rob and get put in prison just to survive.”

The first charge related to December 1 when the 20-year-old snatched a bundle of 35 letters from a postie’s bag in Chatterton Road, Bromley Common.

Two days later he snatched a bundle of letters and a packet from a postman who was making deliveries in nearby Johnson Road.

He was chased by the postman and dropped the bundle of letters in his haste to get away.


A month later, on January 3, a postman was making deliveries in Walpole Road, Bromley, when Martin grabbed a large bundle of letters and a packet.

Martin was chased by the postman and he dropped the bundle of letters.

[DirtyHarry]

Good Lord!
If some toerag nicks a bundle of crap from my HCT, the last thing I will do, is give chase.

[Lounge Lizard]

Good Lord!
If some toerag nicks a bundle of crap from my HCT, the last thing I will do, is give chase.

He thought it was his sandwiches.