Postie stole 40pounds from two Christmas cards

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A Royal Mail worker who stole £40 from two Christmas cards has been told his actions dented confidence in the postal service.

Eight greetings cards were found at the home of Michael Devenport, who admitted theft at Nottingham Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Two £20 notes were found on Devenport, of Alfred Avenue, Mapperley, by investigators. The 55-year-old, who had been a sorter for 11 years, was given a six-month suspended sentenced and ordered to do 200 hours' unpaid work and pay costs of £320.

Prosecutor Almas Ben-Aribia said: "This offence completely undermines people's trust in postmen.


"It undermines the system where people expect items, not only of monetary value but sentimental value, should get through to loved ones."

Miss Ben-Aribia said problems were spotted at the Lancashire processing centre of Parcelforce Worldwide, which is part of the Royal Mail Group. Checks revealed these came from Nottingham and investigators posted two greetings cards, each containing a £20 note.

"The two cards had been tampered with. Both had items missing," she said. "Investigators went to the defendant in the canteen area and he agreed to go to the manager's office."

District Judge Morris Cooper told Devenport: "The postal service is part of the fabric of society in this country and in other countries. It is important for everybody to know that what they put in an envelope gets through. It may have monetary value or sentimental value or it may just be an important part of people's lives."

The judge pointed out that about 20 years ago, postal workers were jailed for these offences and added: "There has been a change in sentencing practice. Whether it is right or wrong is not for me to consider."

Rachel Gowans, mitigating, said there were problems in Devenport's family and he was a major source of support to his daughter.

"He has lost his house as a result of this and is living with his sister, who is supporting him. He has no income."

Devenport admitted stealing the contents of an unknown quantity of greetings cards and a nail kit between November 10 and December 22 and pleaded guilty to stealing £40 from two greetings cards on December 22.

[Lounge Lizard]

The judge pointed out that about 20 years ago, postal workers were jailed for these offences and added: "There has been a change in sentencing practice. Whether it is right or wrong is not for me to consider." so that makes actual custodial sentences unlikely now then.

"Rachel Gowans, mitigating, said there were problems in Devenport's family and he was a major source of support to his daughter." That being so he should have looked after his job.

[scoobydo79]

Sooooo He sacrificed a job where He could earn 25,000 grand a year for 40 Quid

[NWpostie]

It happens, otherwise sensible people have done career destroying acts for some unfathomable reasons.