Formerpostman getsjailwarning

A 35-year-old man has been warned he faces going to jail if there is no satisfactory evidence before court the next day as to why he ‘nicked’ more than 8,000 pieces of mail.

Pierce Lennon, 2 St. Clement’s Park, Dundalk, previously admitted a charge that ‘as an employee of a postal service provider, he did intentionally interfere, delay and open postal packets addressed to another’, between 1 January, 2013 and 9 September, 2016, at his home.

Twenty-eight mail bags were found throughout the defendant’s property.

Sgt. Fintan McGroder said 7,837 items were recovered, while another approximately 800 could not be counted because of deterioration and exposure to weather.

Of the items recovered, 6,537 were unopened letters.

He said a loss couldn’t be quantified, in response to questioning by the judge.

It was stated Lennon, who has no previous convictions, is extremely remorseful. There was no malice intended. He lost his job as a result.

He has a drink problem and attended a 10week detox course, and references were handed in on his behalf.

A report from Dr. Lyster outlining Lennon’s background was also before the court, and his solicitor sought a probation report.

She added her client was the victim of a knife attack in 2009.

‘He has nicked 8,000 pieces of mail and no one has explained why to me,’ said Judge Coughlan.

He remanded Lennon on continuing bail to 14 July next for the defence ‘to produce a witness to talk to me.’

In a separate case, Kevin Duffy is charged with unlawful possession of drugs, and unlawful possession of drugs for the purpose of sale or supply, at Mullaharlin Park, Dublin Road, on 27 February, 2017.

This alleged incident relates to €360-worth of cannabis herb.

The judge accepted jurisdiction and adjourned to 20 June next.

Legal aid was given to the defendant.