Wirral postman admitted stealing 1,000 greeting cards

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A DISGRACED postman once honoured for helping tackle a robber during a raid on a bookies admitted stealing around 1,000 greetings cards to loot cash.

Lawrence Hegarty today spoke of his shame at taking up to 60 cards a week from Wallasey Delivery Office in Wirral over a 12-month period, which he then rifled through for money to pay off debts.

Only four years ago, the 62-year-old was awarded a silver medal at the National Police Public Bravery Awards for his actions during a robbery at Done Bookmakers, Liscard Way, Wallasey while on duty in February 2009.

But at Wirral magistrates court yesterday, the former hero postie pleaded guilty to three counts of theft involving stolen postal packets and cash.

Hegarty was caught after Royal Mail installed CCTV at his office having become suspicious about the amount of losses from the office.

Speaking to the ECHO afterwards from his home on Liscard Grove, Wallasey, Hegarty – who said he had resigned after being confronted over the thefts – blamed debt problems he saw no way out from.

He said: “I’m so embarrassed and ashamed. I just want to apologise for the shame I have brought on family, friends and colleagues and the Royal Mail.”

Hegarty, who worked for Royal Mail for 12 years, was responsible for opening the office and had access to post that needed manual sorting.

Andrea Fitzgerald, prosecuting for the Royal Mail, told Wirral magistrates he was seen on the delivery office’s CCTV selecting cards and placing them on his own sorting frame on January 30.

The court heard that when investigators checked his frame they found 36 greeting card envelopes, and a search of his clothing recovered £70 in English and £10 in Irish banknotes, 200 Norwegian Kroner and 50 Australian dollars.

His home was searched and 15 cards were uncovered two of which were missing £280 and £50 worth of Australian dollars.

When interviewed under caution, Hegarty admitted stealing cards and their contents between January 29 2012 and January 31 this year.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “He estimated he had taken about 1,000 greetings cards in the past 12 months, although he claimed to have only opened 50% of them because he would hold them to the light to see if they had any valuable contents.

“In the final three months he described himself as almost out of control.”

Quentin Neal, defending, argued that Hegarty, who had no previous convictions, should be sentenced by the magistrates.

But chair of the bench Robin Jones said the offences represented a “significant breach of trust” over a long period of time and were so serious he would be committed to Liverpool crown court for sentencing in July.

Hegarty was released on unconditional bail.

[UnhappyGremlin]

Absolutely disgusting. Hope he gets the book thrown at him, though doubtful.

[stokes11eg]

Yes,thief. Full stop. And no doubt, prior to being caught, suspicion fell on others. And that is what I hated about this job--I couldn't count the times people would come to the door berating me because some mail never arrived,,you always felt tey were blaming you!