A CHESTER Royal Mail worker has been jailed for stealing dozens of postal packets, including cash and gift cards.

Sean Sweetman, 32, of Woodside Road, Blacon, had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of theft by employee when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court.

He also admitted a charge of fraud by false representation, in that he tried to use a stolen £80 Amazon gift card for himself.

The court had previously heard 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.

The total value of the thefts was between £500 and £600.

Sweetman had one previous conviction from 2015 for an unrelated matter.

A pre-sentence report highlighted mental health and debt problems for Sweetman.

But District Judge Nicholas Sanders sentenced Sweetman on Friday, April 1 to 26 weeks in prison, finding the offence was so serious due to the defendant's flagrant disregard for people's property, that only an immediate custodial term was appropriate.

A spokesperson for the Royal Mail Group, which prosecuted the case, said following the sentencing: “The overwhelming majority of postal workers are honest and hardworking, and do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely.

"Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach towards dishonesty and will always take robust action, including prosecution where appropriate, against the tiny minority of staff who abuse their position of trust.”