Thieving Hoddesdon postman spared jail

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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Matthew Cole, 19, stole cash from birthday cards and kept one letter from a hospital that told a patient about a hospital appointment for a blood transfusion.

When he was caught he told investigators that he could not cope with his new job, St Albans crown court heard on June 9.

Prosecutor Anthony Heaton-Armstrong said Cole began work at Hoddesdon Royal Mail office on June 22 last year. He moved to the Waltham Cross depot four months later.

He was caught on 15 March this year when 11 letters were found in a sleeve of his coat at work. His home was searched and 1,405 letters were found strewn around. The first letter he had not delivered was dated 14 August last year and the last 12 March this year.

The prosecutor said 120 letters had been opened. “They were greeting cards of the kind relatives send to young children with money in them,” he said.

When questioned about opening the mail, Cole said he was tempted to see what he could find. He said the largest amount he had taken was £50.

Cole, of Thaxted Way, Waltham Abbey, appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to delaying post packages and theft.

Judge Ronald Moss sentenced him to eight months’ detention suspended for two years. He must attend a Thinking Skills Course, carry out 80 hours unpaid work and abide by a curfew for three months between 7pm and 7am. The judge warned him he faced custody if he broke the conditions or committed another crime. He told him: “This offence was a gross breach of trust. You have a lot of growing up to do. You have had a near miss - please do not come back or you know what will happen.”

Cole’s step-father agreed to pay the prosecution costs of £1,500 which the judge expected Cole to repay.

[not me]

He was caught on 15 March this year when 11 letters were found in a sleeve of his coat at work.

so how exactly did hiding those 11 letters take the pressure off him?
it was nothing to do with pressure,greed and theft pure and simple
jail term deserved