Cork postal worker who stole coloured envelopes given suspended sentence

Gardaí said it was not possible to quantify the total loss to An Post customers

Garda Eoin O’Callaghan confirmed at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the former An Post worker cooperated in full with the investigation.

A former An Post employee who spent the past ten days remanded in custody was given a suspended sentence of two years and three months and will be required to do community service for crimes, including the theft of post.

Judge Helen Boyle said coloured envelopes which were the main target of the thefts represented thoughts — and that these thoughts were often from older people sending well wishes and gifts to young relatives.

“It was a breach of trust to your employer, An Post, and to the people who rely on the postal service,” Judge Boyle said as she sentenced Michael Ryan of Ross St, Killavullen, who pleaded guilty to theft of post at the An Post delivery service unit at Carrignagrohera, Fermoy, Co Cork, and to related charges of possessing stolen post and interference with post — all offences relating a period in November 2023.

Judge Boyle imposed the two years and three months backdated to June 20 when he went into custody with the balance of it suspended from today, June 30.

Judge Boyle said to the accused: “You pleaded guilty to theft and possession of stolen property (letters and envelopes) and interference with postal packets addressed to others.

“An Post contacted the garda station in Fermoy about a large volume of missing cards not being delivered. Test items were sent, you interfered with them (two coloured test envelopes) and this was captured on CCTV — taking coloured envelopes, putting them in your jacket and into your car.

“You said you borrowed money from loan sharks and this amount of money quickly doubled and you were under threat to repay this.

“This all happened in a short period of three to four weeks — October 24 to November 18, 2023.

“Great credit is due to the postal service and gardaí for the quick detection of this offence. You have suffered with your mental health as a result of what you did. You have had psychiatric care. You expressed significant remorse and are aware you brought shame to your family. You ruined the good job you had and, not surprisingly, lost your job.” 

Garda Eoin O’Callaghan confirmed at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the 39-year-old cooperated in full with the garda investigation.

Garda O’Callaghan told prosecution barrister Suzanne Gorey that the accused told gardaí he had taken the post for money. Many of the envelopes were colourful, suggesting they contained greeting cards. The garda said it was not possible to quantify the total financial loss.

'Disgusted with himself'

Emmet Boyle defence barrister said: “He is deeply sorry and disgusted with himself for ruining a fine job that he had at this time.” 

Mr Boyle said the accused had borrowed €3,000 from loan sharks and that this debt soon became €6,000. He said the defendant faced serious threats to pay the debt if he did not want to see his house being burned down.

Judge Helen Boyle said that while it was a breach of trust with his employer, it was a more particular breach of trust with the public who rely upon the honesty with which the postal service operates.