Postman dumped mail to take care of disabled father

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/fre ... 4955963.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A POSTMAN failed to deliver nearly 2,000 items of mail so he could leave his round early to care for his disabled dad.
Michael Rowe, was sacked by Royal Mail following an investigation after residents complained about missing post.

The 34-year-old admitted not delivering mail on his round in Stainforth where he had worked for six years.

Instead he dumped items in recycling units at Sainsbury's in Edenthorpe, as well as stashing undelivered packages in two suitcases and a wardrobe at the home he shared with his dad in The Lings, Armthorpe.

Rowe avoided jail after earlier pleading guilty to delaying the delivery of mail, stealing mail and destroying mail over a five month period between April 29 and September 19 2008.

Tim Williamson, prosecuting told Doncaster Magistrates' Court: "He had disposed of the mail so he could get home to look after his father and he was desperate to finish early. He said there was no intention to sell or steal, he just didn't want to deliver them."

Royal Mail launched an investigation after receiving 15 complaints of missing post over a two week period last September. When confronted Rowe admitted the offences, the court was told.

In mitigation Amanda Holmes said Rowe's mother had died in 2007, placing more responsibility on him to care for his father who had suffered a number of strokes.

She added her client was of previous good character and had led a "solitary life" mainly with his parents.

Miss Holmes said: "He has not done this out of greed but bundled up the mail in the wardrobe hoping it would disappear. He has expressed remorse and is very distressed at his behaviour." Rowe was at low risk of reoffending, had apologised to Royal Mail and had lost his job, the court was told.

He was given two 16-week sentences suspended for 12 months for separate charges of delaying delivery of 1,758 packages and stealing six packages containing light bulbs.

Rowe also received an eight week sentence suspended for 12 months for destroying mail. All the sentences will run concurrently.

Richard Gregory, chair of the bench said theft from the Royal Mail "upped the ante" and called Rowe "stupid" for hiding the packages in suitcases and a wardrobe.

He added: "Your character is now tarnished and you will have to live with that."

Rowe was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months and pay £180.60 in compensation plus £200 costs.

[not me]

crazy,in real terms 2000 items over a 5 month period wouldnt have taken long to deliver
hardly worth a criminal record & no job