Postman admits he stole from the mail

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A POPULAR postman who enjoyed Christmas tips from customers betrayed their trust by helping himself to gift tokens he had ripped from greetings cards.

Father-of-two Vincent White, 43, of Saddleton Road, Whitstable, admitted two counts of theft when he appeared before Canterbury Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The court heard searches by Royal Mail investigating officers uncovered vouchers for Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Boots and John Lewis plus receipts for goods he had bought by using the stolen gift cards. He stole tokens to the value of £250.

Michael Newbold, prosecuting, said White had been seen to act oddly when handling some packets and a watch was kept on him.

On July 1 he was approached by a Royal Mail investigating officer when he returned to the depot in Cromwell Road, Whitstable, after his round. He was searched on the spot and two Marks & Spencer gift cards and receipts for purchases to the value of £60, a £25 John Lewis voucher, a £15 Debenhams gift card and a game gift card were found.

He admitted he had taken them from letters or cards he was supposed to deliver between May and July.

He said he had gone to Marks & Spencer and spent the gift cards he had stolen. White was immediately suspended.

Further gift cards and receipts were recovered when his car and home were searched.

He admitted stealing a total of 32 items.

White told investigators he had cash worries after demands from the Child Support Agency.

Mr Newbold told the court: "This was mean-spirited offending, a breach of the Royal Mail trust and the trust that members of the public place in the postmen to deliver their mail."

David Nelson, defending, said White was previously of good character but had suffered a severe nervous breakdown.

He said: "He is receiving treatment from his GP and mental health team. He had quite serious financial problems that seem to have led to his mental collapse."

The case was adjourned for probation reports until February 23.

White, who was bailed, was warned by magistrates that he could end up in jail.