Community service for stressed postie who left delivery items at his home

A STRESSED out postie who left hundreds of letters and parcels at his home in the Capital because he could not cope with his round was today ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Ross Henderson, 23, of Carrick Knowe Terrace, Edinburgh, had become mentally exhausted from the constant changes in his delivery route.

Sheriff Kathrine Mackie warned Henderson it was a serious matter and one where the court must consider a custodial sentence.

But she said she was satisfied there was an alternative in his case due to the circumstances and his previous good record.

At an earlier hearing fiscal depute Aidan Higgins said the items that were not delivered had been left at his home.

He said: "None of the packets had been interfered with, they were all as they had been sent.

"The accused from the outset admitted that he failed to deliver these items as was his duty but said he would have hoped to try to reintroduce the items back into the mail system.

"Put simply it appears the accused felt under great strain at the time and was suffering from mental exhaustion and was unable to manage his workload.

"The benefit to him was he eased his duties considerably."

Henderson admitted delaying 1,628 postal packets between 12 June and 23 July last year at Edinburgh North West Delivery Office, Comely Bank, Edinburgh.

The court heard all the delayed items eventually reached the intended recipients along with a letter of apology from the Royal Mail.

Henderson, who resigned from his position, began working for the Royal Mail in August, 2008, and to begin with he had coped fine but then changes were made, the court heard.

Sheriff Mackie was told Henderson was given different routes practically on a daily basis and struggled to complete them within the time.

The court heard he did go to his line manager but no changes were made.

Defence agent Peter Robertson said: "He is unlikely to come before the courts again, the whole experience has been distressing for him and he has learned his lesson."

He added in the past Henderson had worked with disabled children and volunteered with Camp America and was also an active member in a football team.