Hoarder postie escapes jail

A university drop out postman from Rugeley who failed to deliver 5,411 items of post has escaped jail.

Matthew Ellwood, 24, of Phoenix Close, was ordered to do 160 hours unpaid community work by Cannock magistrates yesterday.

They also gave him a 12 month supervision order.

The court heard Ellwood had admitted intentionally delaying the post between October 17, 2005 and July 3, 2006 after it was discovered at his home.

He also admitted two charges of false accounting by filling in control sheets claiming he had delivered door-to-door leaflets when he had not.

Of the 5,411 postal packets, 321 were first class letter, 520 were second class letters and two items were recorded delivery.

Patrick Nelson, prosecuting the case on behalf of the Royal Mail, said Ellwood had worked for eight months as a part-time postman at Rugeley delivery office before resigning in July.

A week later a member of the public contacted the Royal Mail after seeing post bags in his back garden. A delivery manager visited Ellwood and, when his home was searched, post was found in his garden, a shed, a cupboard and his bedroom.

Justices heard from Ellwood's defence counsel, Michael Wetton, that the postman had suffered difficulties and he had "buried his head in the sand."

Mr Wetton said Ellwood had been studying at Liverpool University but dropped out after becoming involved with illegal drugs and he moved back to Rugeley, getting a job with the Royal Mail whilst also working at The Vaults pub in Rugeley.

Chairman of the bench John Grimley told Ellwood he had come close to prison.

Magistrates ordered Ellwood to pay £440.34 in compensation and costs to the Royal Mail.

By Shaun Lintern