A Royal Mail employee in Northern Ireland has been charged with stealing from the postal service after allegedly opening mail and taking its contents.
Dylan Catney, a 25-year-old from Dart Hill in the Andersonstown area of west Belfast, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court last week, facing two charges under the Postal Services Act 2000.
The court heard that Catney is accused of unlawfully opening “postal dockets” and stealing mail of an unknown value between November 2023 and April 2024.
After a brief hearing, District Judge Steven Keown released Catney on bail and adjourned the case until April 29 for further proceedings.
Under the Postal Services Act 2000, it is a criminal offence for postal workers to intentionally delay, open, or tamper with mail while it is in transit.
Those found guilty can face a prison sentence ranging from six months to two years, depending on the severity of the offence.
Royal Mail, one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted postal services, has faced increasing challenges in recent years, including theft and tampering with mail by employees.
Incidents like this not only damage the company’s reputation but also raise concerns about the security of personal and business mail across the country.
The case is set to return to court on April 29, where further evidence will be presented.
