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Postman dumped 400 letters in field
Wayne Daniels.
A DYSLEXIC former postman from Whittlesey dumped more than 400 letters in a field after getting frustrated because he could not read addresses, a court has heard.
Disgraced Wayne Daniels (25), of New Haven Caravan Park, Whittlesey, pleaded guilty to one count of theft and one count of delaying the mail at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
He was ordered to carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work by magistrate Linda Glover.
The court heard how Daniels had worked for Royal Mail as an agency worker for two years before he took up the role as a postman.
But he never told anyone about his dyslexia and when his frustration boiled over he dumped 420 bills, letters and parcels near Beggars Bridge in Coates in March.
He also stole a CD from one of the packages.
Prosecuting, Hugh Cauthery said: “In the early hours of March 16, the bag of mail was discovered by a man walking his dog by the river.
“He called his friend, a former Royal Mail manager, who picked it up and took it to the sorting office. There were 420 letters that had been dumped, all of which were due to be delivered to the Orton Goldhay area of the city.
“The investigation showed that the letters were meant to be delivered by Daniels and a search was carried out at his address.
“In his car a CD which was taken from one of the packets was found. In a police interview, he admitted he had disposed of the mail but he had been running late on his round, and had not completed it by 6pm. He thought the office was shut, so drove out to dump them.”
Fran Tyler, defending, said: “He suffers from dyslexia and he was struggling to read the addresses.
“He said it was an impulsive action born out of frustration and said it was a disgrace to himself and to the Royal Mail. He had not discussed the problem with colleagues because of a mixture of pride and embarrassment.”
Magistrate Mrs Glover said: “This was a gross breach of trust. Theft from the Royal Mail is a very serious matter.”
Daniels was also ordered to pay £750 costs and £24.66 compensation to Royal Mail.
All the mail was recovered and delivered with a letter of apology.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of our people, who are honest and hardworking. We will always seek to prosecute the tiny minority of people who abuse their position of trust.”
In 2009 postman Alec Clark (35), of Chaucer Road, New England, Peterborough was jailed for six months after stealing sex toys and underwear from his round.
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Comments
There are 20 comments to this article
Page 1 of 2
buck
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 12:43 PMHang on a second, dyslexia does not mean you are dumb, why did he not telephone his office when it was getting late, plus did his condition make him steal. He got off lightly by using that as a excuse.
DaveyBoy
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 08:30 PMAm i the only one who's thinking why someone who can't read would take up a job where reading is an essential part?? From the movies: " S***, I can't swim, I know I can't. So you know what I do? I stay my black ass out the pool"
Dan
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 12:00 PMIf you get a chance, have a read of this: http:www.bbc.co.uknews10553942 It talks about another Dyslexia sufferer and what he has achieved since. It could be anyone with it.
Shaun Theewe
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 05:21 AMPoor soul. It's hard enough for the "lexic" to gain employment these days. At least he tried to work, rather than live on benefits. Hope the delayed and soggy mail did not cause any great disruption.
twink
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:46 PMComment removed by moderator
fedupwiththephantomdeleter
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 10:12 PMHe needs hlep.
Emma
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 09:37 PMyes i am talking from experience im his sister so i know how difficult he finds it and he is embarrased of it and it does frustrate him im not sayin wot he did was right but nobody takes dyslexia seriously but certain things have taken affect since this article was taken hes not a bad lad and im not jus sayin that cuz im his sister we hardly talk but even when he does talk about his dyslexia no-one understands or offers help they just ignore it
Lads Excellent in Training
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 06:29 PMFair point Emma, and you obviously type from experience, but nobody's making fun of the guy's dyslexia, only that he committed a criminal offence which he subsequently blamed on his condition. The rest is just us usual crowd having a bit of fun. I'm very tall, that too is a medical condition I get teased and joked about, but hey, that's life. Smile - you might just enjoy it.
Glenny
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 05:58 PMMaybe he should've joined the Onion so they couldn't sack him
Glenny
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 05:58 PMMaybe he should've joined the Onion so they couldn't sack him
Emma
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 05:58 PMwhy cant people take this seriously dyslexia isnt a joke no-body seems to understand how much its looked over and how it makes a person feel like he has a dissability or an embarrasment so it frustrates them to the point they cant take no more and thats wot happened here
Lads Excellent in Training
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 01:59 PMVeritas - I'm sure he's not a post-graduate.....
Veritas of Peterborough
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 01:48 PMComment removed by moderator
Veritas of Peterborough
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 01:48 PMComment removed by moderator
fedupwiththephantomdeleter
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 01:02 PMPerhaps he should contact the DNA (National Dyslexia Association)
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