Related Articles
A CHESTER Royal Mail worker has admitted stealing dozens of postal packets, including cash and gift cards.
Sean Sweetman, 32, of Woodside Road, Blacon, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft by employee when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, January 21.
He also admitted a charge of fraud by false representation, in that he tried to use a stolen £80 Amazon gift card for himself.
Darren Crispin, prosecuting on behalf of the Royal Mail Group, said Sweetman was employed at the Chester Royal Mail centre and the thefts had taken place over a period of several months, between February and June 2021.
Mr Crispin told the court the total value of the thefts was between £500 and £600.
Sweetman had one previous conviction from 2015 for an unrelated matter.
The court heard a pre-sentence report would be required for Sweetman, which would highlight mental health and debt problems.
Sweetman had appeared from the cells as he had not turned up to his original court hearing, having been informed by post of the court date.
A warrant was issued for his arrest.
The court heard he had believed his court appearance was next week.
District Judge Nicholas Sanders adjourned the case for a hearing at Chester Magistrates Court on February 25.
Sweetman was put on unconditional bail.
The district judge warned that all options remained open, including committing the case to the crown court if he believed his sentencing powers were insufficient.
