By Advertiser Reporter
Picture: ADVER A ROYAL Mail depot worker stole iPhones after working up a £10,000 debt to family members and friends. Swindon-based parcel sorter Raja Mehmood had enjoyed a better-paid position at the Dorcan sorting office. But after a colleague complained about him, the father-of-three was demoted - resulting in fewer hours and less pay. The straightened circumstances left the 47-year-old borrowing cash from friends and family.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard that the Reading man had got himself into around £10,000-worth of debt. In May 2020, he first stole parcels containing 20 mobile phones belonging to Apple then parcels containing 14 phones just a week later.
By Advertiser Reporter
Pictures: PEXELS A HOMELESS man ended up in court over an argument sparked by the speed with which a Tesco customer was scanning in a pack of crisps. Michael Ashton, 47, was said to have been in a hurry to reach a hostel in Chippenham so he could warm up his food before spending a night on the streets. He was behind his victim at the self-service checkouts in the Tesco Metro in Emery Gate, Chippenham, on October 11 last year. Prosecutor Graham Dono told Swindon Magistrates’ Court that Ashton said words to the effect of “f , how does it take this long when you’re only scanning crisps?”
By Advertiser Reporter
Sainsbury s Trowbridge and, inset, Swindon Magistrates Court Pictures: GOOGLE/ADVER A WOMAN threatened to stab a Sainsbury’s worker with a hypodermic needle, a court heard. Melanie Shawcross, 42, threatened the male member of staff at the Trowbridge supermarket after he challenged her about stealing alcohol. Graham Dono, prosecuting, told Swindon Magistrates’ Court the woman said: “I’ve got a needle in here and if you come near me I’ll stab you. I’ll f ing stab you.” Shawcross then pulled the hypodermic syringe from her bag and threatened the man with it. He backed away. Appearing before the justices on Saturday, Shawcross, of Roundstone Street, Trowbridge, admitted theft and common assault. She also admitted stealing from supermarkets on January 16, 2021, and June 24, 2020.
By Advertiser Reporter
File image of a postman Picture: PA WIRE A POSTAL worker helped himself to hundreds of pounds sent by special delivery – and tossed precious greetings cards in the bin. Paul McCarthy used the stolen cash to fund his gambling addiction and a new-found cocaine habit.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard the Melksham dad had been caught out last year after Royal Mail investigators installed covert cameras following reports of special delivery parcels going missing. In March, he was caught on CCTV going into an enclosure where the items earmarked for special delivery were kept and where he had no reason to be. He was seen to remove an item, the justices were told.
By Advertiser Reporter
File image of a postman Picture: PA WIRE A POSTAL worker helped himself to hundreds of pounds sent by special delivery – and tossed precious greetings cards in the bin. Paul McCarthy used the stolen cash to fund his gambling addiction and a new-found cocaine habit.
Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard the Melksham dad had been caught out last year after Royal Mail investigators installed covert cameras following reports of special delivery parcels going missing. In March, he was caught on CCTV going into an enclosure where the items earmarked for special delivery were kept and where he had no reason to be. He was seen to remove an item, the justices were told.