Gambling Addiction

Gambling postman Mark Hernaman admits to stealing cash from mail

A POSTMAN with a gambling addiction could face prison for pilfering hundreds of pounds from customers' mail.

Mark Hernaman, 30, of Conrad Avenue, Canterbury, admitted five counts of stealing post at the Canterbury delivery office where he worked for four years.

Ellis Sareen, prosecuting, told Thanet magistrates on Friday how the father-of-five stole money and vouchers from post and then shredded what was left.

Hernaman owned up to taking more than £350 in cash and £70 in vouchers between January 1 and January 20 this year.

His deception was uncovered after the Post Office launched a surveillance operation following complaints from the public of missing mail.

Mr Sareen said investigating officers introduced four test items into the post as bait on June 22.

Hernaman was seen to open three of the packages, which contained cash, vouchers and a pair of headphones, and enter his home before finishing his round.

When he returned to the delivery office he was searched by investigating officers who found three Marks & Spencer vouchers on him.

Hernaman then agreed to have his home searched. Officers found the headphones and cash and a large quantity of shredded material. When interviewed, he admitted taking the three test packages along with other items.

Max Reeves, defending, said Hernaman had no previous convictions and considered himself to be "honest and trustworthy" but had got into debt gambling.

He was said to have become hooked on horse racing after enjoying a winning streak but ended up suffering "huge losses".

Mr Reeves said Hernaman's situation became more desperate in January, and he began taking mail to pay off his debts.

Chairman of the bench Anthony Hodges adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. He told Hernaman his early guilty plea and circumstances would be taken into consideration but that the breach of trust was "so serious we must consider passing a custodial sentence".