John Knight, from Worsley, was given a suspended jail term.

A postman who was caught stealing money from cards and parcels has been spared a jail sentence.

John Knight, from Worsley in Greater Manchester took cash from hundreds of packages in a bid to reduce his personal debts of £25,000, the Manchester Evening News reported.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of theft and attempted theft, admitting that he had stolen around 500 parcels and kept between £400 and £500.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Rigby gave Mr Knight a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered him to perform 250 hours of unpaid work, the newspaper added.

Mr Knight told magistrates that he was driven by desperation to service his debts and support his partner and three children.

The case comes after a Royal Mail sorting office worker from Plymouth was handed a six-month jail sentence for stealing money from cards and letters.

David Baker was caught putting money in his pocket by a secret surveillance camera.

Posted by Laura Rathbone


Article Added: 20/01/2010 09:34:19