Delivering justice

Two former Royal Mail employees were sentenced to three years imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court, in London.

Terrell Miller and Imran Abass from Highbury Delivery Office, had intercepted mail from the postal network, opened it and used its contents to commit acts of fraud. They had systematically focused on items they knew they could make money from, as well as targeting items on behalf of others. 

The pair had stolen at least 63 bank cards and caused losses of nearly £80k.

Terrell Miller was searched and found in possession of 14 items of mail not for delivery on his route, and £10k in cash was also discovered in his vehicle.

An examination of his mobile phone identified a link to Imran Abass, and an unidentified third party discussing the interception of banking material for payment of over £25k. Also, on Miller’s phone, were meticulous notes he had made of the items he had handed over and the amount of money he was owed.

In sentencing, HHJ Aaronberg, said: ‘This was in my judgment a relatively sophisticated example of theft, as on a number of occasions, you were provided in advance with information that led to you looking for specific items of mail.

‘The identity of those others has never been determined. It was used to open bank accounts in other people’s names or use the information to commit fraud.

‘You know postmen who steal from the post have to be sent to prison. The public expect when they put a letter in the letterbox it will be delivered, and we all invest a high degree of trust in the Royal Mail.’

Costs of £10,000 were awarded to Royal Mail Group. Miller’s case is subject to a Proceeds of Crime Act application and this will be listed in the New Year.