A Dundee postman who admitted rifling through mail in a desperate hunt for cash has been told he is guilty of “a very serious offence”.
George Cumming was working as a postal worker in the Angus and Dundee areas through an agency when the offences came to light.
Forfar Sheriff Court was told that the 56-year-old’s crime came to light when a Monifieth resident found three packets discarded in their rubbish bin, two of which appeared to have been opened.
Police Scotland were notified, as well as the postal investigations department, and it swiftly became apparent that the items had been in Cumming’s care.
He was brought in for interview on April 9 this year and “immediately” admitted opening two of the packages.
Both were greetings cards and Cumming told the court he had been looking for money but hadn’t found any.
One of the senders told police officers there had been £10 in a card for a child but the accused denied taking the cash.
The court was told that Cumming had not been employed in a postal role since the offence came to light.
The accused, of South Baffin Street, admitted the theft between March 31 and April 1 this year at Rattray Street, Dundee, and Dundee East delivery office in Ivory Place.
Sentence was deferred until next month for the preparation of reports, with Sheriff Gregor Murray warning him about the severity of the offence and advising him to seek legal advice before returning.
“Given the nature of the charge it would be very sensible for you to get a lawyer to represent you on the next occasion,” the sheriff said.