Postman admits withholding 1,000 mail items

A POSTMAN from Lerwick who withheld over 1,000 items of mail and stored them in the boot of his car has had his sentence deferred until May.

Jason Easter, of Grodians, admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to failing to deliver and retaining 1,074 items of mail on or between 12 September last year and 13 January at his home address and elsewhere.

The charge said that the 29 year old did, contrary to his duty and without reasonable excuse, intentionally delay or open postal packets in the course of transmission by post.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the police became aware of the offence after the items of mail were found in Easter’s own vehicle.

“This came to light when Mr Easter’s car went to a local garage,” he said.

He said the “significant amount of withheld mail” was discovered in the boot.

Mackenzie said Easter co-operated fully with the police and made a “frank admission”.

The fiscal said the postman was “struggling” with his new role at the time.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said it would be beneficial if a criminal justice social work report was prepared before sentencing and deferred matters until 9 May.

“It is on the face of it a serious matter,” he said.