A POSTMAN was caught in a sting operation after his bosses became suspicious about missing money from greetings cards.

Richard Moisley, of Bankfield Avenue Kirkheaton, could face jail after stealing postal packages.

When he appeared before Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court yesterday he pleaded guilty to stealing £40 from a greeting card and attempting to steal an unknown quantity of postal packets which belonged to Royal Mail.

The 36-year-old became the subject of various surveillance operations after mail went missing from his delivery area.

Charles Watson, prosecuting on behalf of Royal Mail, said: “On September 14 a testing surveillance operation using three specially prepared postal packets were introduced into the defendant’s mail. Two of the items were not to be delivered.”

When the packages were not returned, Moisley was investigated and interviewed.

“His pouch was searched and the second bundle contained five greeting card postal packages – three of which were the specially identified items.

“He went on to admit he had taken packets every now and again for the past nine months.

“He said the money was spent on anything from items for his daughter to alcohol and cigarettes.”

Moisley resigned his position following the investigation.

Neil Murphy, defending, said: “It is a sad state of affairs that this gentlemen finds himself in.

“He is deeply ashamed and upset about what has happened and is very remorseful about his conduct.

“Mr Moisley appears to be struggling with depression, struggling with his health following a breakdown in a relationship with his partner and he was having a problem with drink.

“It is one of those strange cases and it is totally irrational. He has no real foundation other than at the time he was depressed.

“Although he was in a level of trust, he is not somebody who is routinely handling money and he had a degree of responsibility. I would suggest it is a medium level.”

Chairman of the bench David Lewis said: “A postman is in a great position of trust to deliver packages and letters to the people they are addressed to.

“We are concerned that the offences admitted went over nine months and it was a breach of trust.

“When the public send something they deserve to have it delivered properly.”

The magistrates said they were considering custody but did not sentence him as they are waiting for a full health report from his GP.