A dishonest former Royal Mail worker has narrowly avoided an immediate custodial sentence after repeatedly stealing packages from the postal system.
Stefan Blackhurst, 51, of Rosevean Close, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, previously admitted two charges of theft when he appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court last month.
He also admitted one charge of being in breach of his duties as a postal worker by opening or procuring postal packages during their transmission in the Royal Mail system.
Theft in excess of £200 is an either way offence. We have previously written a brief guide to the offence of theft, which readers might find of interest. The maximum penalty for theft is 7 years' custody on conviction on indictment, 6 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
The breach of postal worker duties by opening or procuring postal packages is an offence under section 58 of the Post Office Act 1953. The maximum penalty for this offence is an unspecified period in custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment, 6 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Blackhurst returned to Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court for sentencing last week.
The court heard that customers had reported concerns to Royal Mail after a number of parcels hadn't been delivered or were being opened, emptied and re-sealed.
Royal Mail started an investigation, which resulted in covert CCTV cameras being installed at the company's North West Midlands Mail Centre in Wolverhampton.
Blackhurst, who worked at the office, was caught on camera emptying and resealing packages on six different occasions.
A subsequent search of his home uncovered 697 gift cards, valued at around £3,000.
The cards, some of which didn't have a face value, were taken - along with gift vouchers valued at £295 - between 17th January 2014 and 9th April 2016, but they had not been used.
Further thefts took place between 17th and 28th March 2017. The court heard that an unknown number of postal packages were taken during this two-week period, with 59 further postal packages being opened.
Blackhurst initially denied the offences, but admitted his guilt when confronted with the CCTV footage.
Mohammed Faiz, mitigating, said his client "had no particular reason" for committing the offences.
Magistrates sentenced Blackhurst to 8 months' custody suspended for 2 years.
He must also complete 15 days' rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £80 victim surcharge.
There is no mention of prosecution costs being awarded.
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