Postman charged with taking money from packages

A postman allegedly stole money from two letters in a Dublin sorting office, a court has heard.

Tony Fitzpatrick (51), of Glenbourne Green, Leopardstown Valley, Dublin 18, was charged at Tallaght District Court with two counts of opening postal packets at the An Post Sorting Office, Braemor Road, Churchtown, on January 22nd, 2015, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act, 2011.

Sgt Eithne Madden told the court yesterday that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal of the case.

She said it will be alleged that, following some suspicious activity, An Post and the Garda set up a surveillance operation at their sorting office in Braemor Road on January 22nd.

Sgt Madden said it will be alleged that Mr Fitzpatrick opened two letters and removed €40 in cash from the letters.

Sgt Madden said that the defendant was arrested at 8.50am by gardaí.

Accepting jurisdiction, Judge Bridget Reilly granted legal aid in the case to Mr Fitzpatrick’s solicitor, Padraig O’Donovan.

She remanded the defendant on continuing bail to September 14th for a plea or a date for hearing.