Stressed out postman who kept letters avoids prison

A STRESSED postman who left hundreds of letters and parcels at his home because he could not cope with his round has been ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday 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 but had not been interfered with.

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.

Henderson, who resigned from his position, began working for the Royal Mail in 2008. When changes were made and he was given different routes practically on a daily basis, he struggled to complete them within the time.