A POSTMAN was caught stealing mail after an an investigation was launched following a police tip-off.

Michael Lamb, 30, was collared when the Royal Mail posted three test packages to be delivered during his round and they were all stolen.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Lamb had been employed as a casual postman at the Durham delivery office for just six weeks when he fell under suspicion.

Prosecutor Paul Caulfield said the Royal Mail investigation unit had received a tip-off from the police that Lamb was stealing credit cards.

During the investigation, it was revealed Lamb had taken a credit card, which was meant to be delivered to a customer, and passed it on to a friend who used it to obtain £168.25 cash. The friend was later jailed for four months.

The court heard how because the credit card had gone missing during Lamb's round, his bosses decided to post the test packages.

The court heard how Lamb put his mail, including the test packages, into satchels, but instead of going on his rounds, he drove to Washington Galleries. After two hours, he went back to his Claypath round and was approached by the investigating officers.

He agreed to be searched and the test items were found in the back of his vehicle along with a small amount of heroin.

Mr Caulfield added: "He had recently observed a TV programme explaining how credit cards could be easily stolen and used. But what undoubtedly was a contributory factor is his herion addiction."

Lamb, of Britannia Terrace, Houghton-le-Spring, admitted theft. Sentence was adjourned for two weeks for further information.