Horspath postmaster admits swindling branch

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/90799 ... ng_branch/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A POSTMASTER admitted swindling his branch, leading to concerns about its future.

Vipin Patel, who ran Horspath Post Office and Stores for more than five years, has been suspended from his duties after admitting a charge at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.

Last night, the chairman of Horspath Parish Council said he was “extremely concerned” about the state of the branch and the convenience store it is housed in. The Post Office said the facility remains open with temporary staff but refused to elaborate.

Patel, 57, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting fraud by abuse of position between August and December last year. The court was not told the amount of money involved.

He was given an 18-week jail sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to pay £200 costs.

He was also given a two-month curfew, meaning he must stay at his Church Road address between 10pm and 5am.

Parish council chairman David Horsley said: “The parish council does not wish to comment on the details of the particular court case, but remains extremely concerned that neither the Post Office, nor the village shop, both of which are integral to the community life of the village and its elderly residents, may remain financially viable if separated.”

A Horspath resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was shocked when I heard about it.

“I don’t think anybody suspected anything, he was always very friendly and helpful.

“I suppose it does leave the branch in some jeopardy and I know lots of people in the village use it, especially the older residents.”

Post Office spokesman Richard Hall said: “The Horspath Post Office branch is open and continues to serve customers in the area.”

When asked if Patel had been suspended following his conviction he added: “We do not comment on contractual matters between Post Office Ltd and its agents.

“We are exploring options to find a permanent solution to the situation.”

[subbie]

A Curfew???? Is there something of the night about this chap?

Subbie

[andy2007]

Why do the Courts always go so easy on these people?
A SUSPENDED sentence?
In other words: keep your nose clean for a year, and you'll get away with it.

[subbie]

Why do the Courts always go so easy on these people?

These people? What do you mean by that remark?

Subbie

[chunk]

mabe he just meant people who commit fraud?
but theres so little info released about this case im not going to judge anyone.
on a more general note this is the latest in a long string of recent post office cases,
is it reflecting the harsh or difficult conditions that postmasters find themselves in
now the government has cut them adrift ie removed many of there revenue sources.

[sussub]

Chunk,

I agree there is little information to judge this man's guilt but in other cases POL are not even willing to admit that there are huge problems with Horizon, presumably because it is having the desire effect of closing offices.

[andy2007]

Why do the Courts always go so easy on these people?

These people? What do you mean by that remark?

Subbie

What I meant, was people who steal whilst in a position of trust. Whether they be Posties, Postmasters, or whatever. How many times, have we heard of Posties, or Postmasters stealing, and getting away with suspended sentences, or Community Service?!?
It's sickening!!!!!

Anyone who steals or commits fraud, whilst in a position of trust, should be dealt with FAR MORE SEVERELY than a normal member of the Public. Because they're damaging the reputation of the vast majority of their colleagues, who're honest, hardworking people. And even worse than that. They're betraying the trust of the Public, who were relying on them to do their job honestly.

[subbie]

Andy

If you knew anything about the Court system (which clearly you do not) you would know that the Courts deal with offenders within the parameters set for them by Government.
One of the joys of our Judicial system is the discretion that the Courts have to levy punishment in accordance with the facts of the case concerned (subject to the Gov laid down parameters).

It is a fact that there are so many cases, recently, involving Postmasters and the vagaries of the Horizon system that it has become the subject of concern within the Judiciary, to the degree that a pattern has formed whereas the lowest possible tariff of punishment is handed down in cases involving alleged Postmaster fraud where Horizon is involved. Does this not tell you something?

Regardless of the above, you cannot just go around making sweeping statements that all offenders should receive max sentences, each case is individual, and there will be individual circumstances that led to the committing of the crime. Each case deserves the bespoke setting of the punishment.

Your energy could be better spent asking and searching for the answer to the question......why do so many workers within the Royal Mail Group fall into situations where a crime is committed within the workplace? Is it poor working conditions?

Subbie

[andy2007]

I've no doubt you're right about cases involving the Horizon system. I don't work with it, so I only know what I've read about it. You obviously know a lot more about it than me. But what about all the cases where items have been stolen from the Mail, and people have come out with the old excuses: "I had gambling debts"; "I was behind on the bills"; etc?
Several years ago, I nearly lost my Home, because I was in so much debt. But I didn't steal. I did eventually dig myself out of the mess I was in, but it was a long hard struggle. But I could just as easily have done what they did, and helped myself to Mail, sold it, and paid off my bills much faster. And of course, without all the worries, and threatening letters. Particularly the one that said if I didn't pay my rent off soon, they'd kick me and my Family out on the streets. The difference between me and "those people"?
I'm honest, like the VAST majority of Posties and Postmasters. Why should we have our reputations dragged through the mud, by a tiny minority of theiving [expletive ommited to stay within the rules]. With no self control or morals?

I realise that every case is different. But when was the last time that anyone was actually sent to Jail, for stealing from the Mail, or a Post Office?
They can't all be poor innocent individuals, pushed to a life of crime by circumstances beyond their control, can they?

You're also right about the working conditions. They don't exactly inspire loyalty to RMG. Far from it. But is it really a justification for theft or fraud?

[sussub]

Andy,
Reading your last post, I have much respect for you to have dealtvery sucessfully with the situation you were in and the strength you must have had to see it through.

However, POL do have a massive probelm with Horizon and they feel thatany losses must be the fault of the SPMR and NO OTHER explanation is possible.There is just too much evidence now to suggest that there are problems with the system. The BBC have done several programmes on the subject albeit on a regional basis and thepress have been involved too.

However we must question the reason why they have insisted on the jailing of a pregnant woman and the request that people wear electronic tags.

Does this not suggest that there is something majorly wrong and they will take such extreme mesures to defend Horizon? Delve into the matter a lot furhter and then questions do arise .

[andy2007]

Yes, I've certainly seen a great deal of articles and comments about the problems with Horizon. But surely all that would be enough to at least attempt a defence against charges like that, rather than just pleading guilty. Which will have a severe affect on their reputations, and chances of ever getting another job which puts them in a position of trust.