Gay postman stole 3,000 items after bullying

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A gay postman claimed he stole 3,000 items of mail after suffering homophobic bullying from colleagues.


John Harman pleaded guilty to the theft of a packet of garden bulbs and to delaying the postage of some 563 addressed letters Photo: GETTY

Anthony John Harman, 44, said he was victimised for his sexuality.

He stashed thousands of letters and fliers at his home in Cuddington, Cheshire, but told magistrates he did so because he couldn't cope with the pressure at work.


Carman Dowd, defending, told magistrates at Northwich: "He is a gay man. Unfortunately in the environment in which he worked he had to endure, what some may describe as banter, but what he felt was bullying.


"Due to this bullying he had to take six months off work with stress and was on medication.


"In addition to that he lost two very close friends. This included the murder of a man in Trafalgar Square in a homophobic attack - a very dear friend of his.

"All organisations have been rationalising processes in the current economic climate and Mr Harman was subject to that.

"He could not cope with the round he was doing and the additional burden that was placed on him."

Harman, 44, of Cuddington, pleaded guilty to the theft of a packet of garden bulbs and to delaying the postage of some 563 addressed letters and 3,220 advertising items.

Prosecuting Andrea Fitzgerald told Northwich Magistrates Court on Thursday how Harman had been employed as a postman with the Royal Mail for 10 years.

Ms Fitzgerald said: "Officers discovered bags of first and second class mail in the defendant's bedroom and living room.

"Some 3,220 items of door to door mail were also recovered. This was advertising matter for which postmen receive payment for delivering.

"He said in interview that he had not been able to cope with the work. He said he had reduced his hours to pursue his eBay business.

"He said the situation had gotten out of control and he apologised for his actions."

Defending Harman, Carman Dowd said: "Mr Harman recognises fully how seriously the court will view these actions.

"He feels the deepest shame and has shown the upmost remorse, resigning immediately from the Royal Mail.

"He was not motivated by greed and there is absolutely no risk of Mr Harman reoffending.

"He worked for Royal Mail for 10 years and was a loyal, productive and diligent individual.

She said the letters that he had failed to deliver had not been opened or tampered with in any way.

She added: "He had no intention of interfering with that post. He simply could not cope.

"The aggressive stance of management and the banter about his sexuality have tipped him over the edge."

The court heard how Harman is now working to build up a landscape gardening business.

Ms Fitzgerald added: "He is mortified and devastated to be placed in this situation."

Magistrates sentenced Harman to 80 hours unpaid community work.

He was further ordered to pay £50 compensation, £600 towards the cost of the Royal Mail investigation and £200 court costs.

[Judgee]

I am a hetrosexual male and have been bullied at work because I like to play with the ladies. Therefore I am not going out delivering for the next six months, hope you don't mind, thanks!

[chunk]

I have now heard it all.
ive seen the race card played! (once to often)!
and iv seen the the sexism card abused,
Now everything from depression ,debts,family problems,
illnesses and disability are being used as defenses in theft cases.

I hope this gay person realizes he damages the position of other gays by suggesting its some sort of hindrance to
normal employment.

Television would be a more valid excuse.
I was brainwashed by television advertising into wanting luxury items.
i felt insecure about the size of my lcd, and the efficiency of my vacuum cleaner.

[Pinky 1]

" John Harman pleaded guilty to the theft of a packet of garden bulbs "

and

" The court heard how Harman is now working to build up a landscape gardening business. "

......... made me smile