A postman has been ordered to do community service after being caught opening packages – to steal adult DVDs.
Jesus Chambers, 54, who has worked as a postie for 22 years, was heard by a colleague opening two parcels in the sorting office toilet.
When the managers searched Chambers’ locker they found four adult DVDs and two empty packages were later discovered in the toilet bins.
Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard the packages had been classed as undeliverable and were being returned to the sender.
Ordering Chambers to carry out unpaid work, chair of the bend John Gillis said: “This was a breach of trust and theft from the postal service, which has a certain standing in people’s minds, who expect honesty and integrity.
“But in mitigation this was a theft of low-value items and the goods were recovered.”
Hugh Cauthery, prosecuting for Royal Mail, said: “On June 25 a colleague was using the toilets on the first floor of the mail sorting centre.
“Whilst in a cubicle he heard the tear of a package coming from an adjoining cubicle.
“As he left the toilet he established there was only one other person in the toilets. The colleague left and reported it to a manager, who was passing by the location at the time.
“Another manager was called and it was established there was still only one person in the toilets.
“A search was later carried out and two packages were found in the toilet bins, while the four adult DVDs were found in a locker.
“The packages had been classed as undeliverable and were being returned to the sender at the time.”
Chambers, from Peterborough, Cambs., pleaded guilty to theft at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on September 11.
He was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £600 costs.
Simon Milburn, defending, said: “He should get full credit for his early guilty plea and for his co-operation with the Royal Mail investigation.
“He originally denied the allegations through panic but admitted his guilt early in the investigation.
“He has lost his good character and his impeccable work record. He is at a loss to explain his behaviour and why he took the decision he did.”