Successful 'mail dumping' prosecution for Postcomm

19 January 2005

Postcomm has brought its first prosecution for mail dumping, under Section 83 of the Postal Services Act 2000, which criminalises interference with mail.

The case, heard at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Monday (17 January), followed an investigation by Postcomm into the illegal mail dumping activities of a casual employee working for a licensed mail delivery firm.

The case was the first of its kind to be brought by the regulator. Royal Mail has its own procedures for dealing with offences committed by its staff, and previous instances of mail dumping by licensed operators have been dealt with by the issuing of official Home Office cautions to the offending delivery personnel. However the circumstances this time were more serious and warranted prosecution under the terms of Postcomm’s Enforcement Policy.

The defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 hours Community Service and ordered to pay £1,000 towards costs. He was aware that he was acting illegally in dumping a substantial proportion of the magazines he had been employed to deliver. His employer fully supported the prosecution and worked with Postcomm throughout the investigation.

In summing up, the District Judge underlined the serious nature of the offence, highlighting how important it was that the public should have full confidence that mail items would be delivered properly and on time. He said that, although he had chosen not to impose a custodial sentence, prison was an option where this type of offence was concerned.

Commenting on the outcome of the case, Sarah Chambers, Postcomm’s chief executive, said:

“The sentence and the judge’s comments make clear the very serious nature of this type of crime - offenders face severe penalties, even the possibility of a prison sentence. We hope the outcome of this case will send a strong message - to customers and postal operatives - that mail dumping will not be tolerated.”