Stashed letters postman sentenced

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An Edinburgh postman who left hundreds of letters at his home because he could not cope with his round has been given 120 hours of community service.
Ross Henderson, 23, had become tired from constant changes in his delivery route, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard.

He previously admitted delaying 1,628 packets between 12 June and 23 July 2009 at Edinburgh North West Delivery Office, Comely Bank, Edinburgh.
Sheriff Kathrine Mackie warned Henderson it was a serious matter.

She said it was one where the court must consider a custodial sentence, but she was satisfied there was an alternative in his case due to the circumstances and his previous good record.

At an earlier hearing fiscal depute Aidan Higgins said the items that were not delivered had been left at his home.

He said: "None of the packets had been interfered with, they were all as they had been sent.

"The accused from the outset admitted that he failed to deliver these items as was his duty but said he would have hoped to try to reintroduce the items back into the mail system.

"It appears the accused felt under great strain at the time and was suffering from mental exhaustion and was unable to manage his workload.

"The benefit to him was he eased his duties considerably."

The court heard all the delayed items eventually reached the intended recipients along with a letter of apology from the Royal Mail.

Henderson, who resigned from his position, began working for the Royal Mail in August 2008.

Defence agent Peter Robertson said: "He is unlikely to come before the courts again, the whole experience has been distressing for him and he has learned his lesson."