Parcel-pinching postie stole to pay off gambling debts

Published on 28th June 2007 in News

A former postman with a gambling problem narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after admitting delaying, damaging and stealing items of mail.

Daniel Croley (19), of Kingston Street in Old Goole, appeared before Goole magistrates on Thursday to be sentenced for three offences relating to missing post.

The teenager, who had worked at Goole Delivery Office between October, 2005 and February this year, had previously pleaded guilty to offences of intentionally delaying, damaging mail and stealing mail.

Sarah Wood, prosecuting for Royal Mail, told the court that investigations had been carried out after complaints about missing mail in the Goole area.

They were traced to different rounds, but the common factor was Mr Croley.

Closed-circuit TV was installed in the delivery office and, on February 12, items of mail were specially placed in Mr Croley's load and the footage confirmed the delivery office's suspicions.

"He was seen to feel and squeeze the items," said Miss Wood.

On the same day, Mr Croley was approached by staff and agreed to be interviewed.

He admitted stealing mail and also said he had a gambling problem.

Mr Croley consented to his home being searched and 874 packages, including greetings cards, were recovered, along with a black bin bag of shredded paper.

In a further interview he admitted opening the mail before shredding it.

He also apologised for his actions.

Defending, Mr Shaun Pinchbeck disputed information in a report which stated that Mr Croley had stolen £1,500 in cash from envelopes.

"He has always said he just doesn't know the total amount of cash," Mr Pinchbeck said.

"It was very rare that he came across a postal packet that had cash in it.

"It was generally £10 - a maximum of £30."

The court heard that Mr Croley resigned on February 12 after being challenged.

"He has sought to address the gambling that led to the problem," said Mr Pinchbeck.

"He has now got another job and has shown determination to provide the compensation that he knows he will have to provide."

Mr Croley could have been sent to a young offender institution for the offences but magistrates gave him an 18-month community order and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He also has to pay the full cost of the investigation, which amount to £1,704.99, including £164.99 compensation.

A Royal Mail spokesman said the company always sought to prosecute employees who abused their position of trust.

"We have a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of postmen and women, who are honest and hardworking and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely," he said.