A driver became a "dishonest fool" and stole £1,777 worth of property which he should have delivered, a court heard.

Paul Rowe, 28, of Hope Close, Mountnessing, admitted eight charges of theft and one of possessing cannabis.

He received 100 hours community punishment and 18 months rehabilitation when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday.

Recorder John Baker told Rowe, "You have become a dishonest fool and stand on the threshold of prison. I am giving you an opportunity not to go to prison but these are serious matters."

Rowe must attend a general offending behaviour programme and pay £150 court costs.

Peter Watson, prosecuting, said matters came to light on September 30 after Securicor Omega at Chelmsford received complaints from customers who had not received goods including mobile telephones, shirts, trainers and a bicycle.

The company's security department launched an investigation and Rowe, an agency driver, was questioned.

During the interview he was fiddling with a mobile telephone. It was one of the missing telephones.

More stolen property was found at an address used by him. He admitted taking the goods within the previous week. His actions were a breach of trust. All the property was recovered.

He had no previous convictions for offences of dishonesty. He was in possession of 130gms of cannabis when first interviewed

Caroline Bradshaw, mitigating, said Rowe had considerable debts at the time and was planning to sell the items but realised he had been stupid.

Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003

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