A DISHONEST postman with 18 years service behind him has admitted stealing cash and gift tokens from birthday cards on his rounds in Suffolk.

A DISHONEST postman with 18 years service behind him has admitted stealing cash and gift tokens from birthday cards on his rounds in Suffolk.

Kevin Allen, 46, of Manderston Road, Newmarket, appeared before magistrates in Bury St Edmunds yesterday and pleaded guilty to stealing money and vouchers worth �200, five DVDs, and two other parcels instead of delivering the items as he should have.

The court heard that the disgraced father of three had been caught after Royal Mail investigators planted packages and cards containing valuables into Allen's post bag and monitored what happened.

Hugh Cauthery, prosecuting for Royal Mail, said that Allen immediately confessed his thefts when confronted in September last year.

Jeremy Kendall, defending Allen, said: “He feels true remorse for what he has done. The stealing began when he got into financial difficulties following his divorce.”

Magistrates ordered an all options report for sentencing, warning Allen, who has no previous convictions; he still might face a jail term. The 46-year-old was given unconditional bail and told to return to the court on February 12 for sentencing.