A postman and former army reservist who stole money from children's birthday cards which he 'targeted' during his rounds for the Royal Mail has escaped jail.

Working for Royal Mail in Norwich between January 2016 and March 2017, 30-year-old Jordan Craig would hold back packages that appeared to be children's birthday cards and searched them for cash.

He was caught after the company put 'test packages' containing cash into his round between February and March 2017. A search of his locker revealed 83 opened letters or packages which could not be delivered as they had been damaged.

Craig, of Radcliffe Road, admitted four counts of theft and one of opening mail at Norwich Magistrates Court.

Gwen Williamson, prosecuting for the Royal Mail, said the thefts were a breach of trust.

'Clearly as a postman working for the Royal Mail there is a great deal of trust the items in the post will be delivered to the other end without interference,' she told the court.

'He would identify those that appeared to be birthday cards, particularly those addressed to children using words like Master and Miss, and those he felt more likely than not to have cash in.

'Those opened that did not have cash, if they were in a reasonable condition he would post in any event. If the envelopes were damaged he would destroy them or put them in his locker.'

Ms Williamson said investigation and legal costs totalled £8,387.05, which Craig has offered to pay from his pension pot of £16,331.

Craig, who appeared unrepresented, told the court he had chosen to 'bury his head in the sand' about his financial problems and was attempting to support his partner, who has mental health issues.

'I have let down the trust of the Royal Mail and the people that use it. I should never have done what I did,' he told the court.

'I now know there is help out there. I am turning to debt charities to help me control my finances and pay back what I owe so I am not left in a financial black hole which I was in, and was out of control.'

Rev Paul Rosier, chair of the bench, told Craig: 'What this court will never know is exactly the extent of your offending and its monetary cost. Those children and young people will never know what they should have received.'

Craig was given 18 weeks custody, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £5,000 from his pension pot. He was old to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, 12 days of rehabilitation, and a victim surcharge of £115.