Post Office cashier hid money in her bra

A post office worker lined her bra with notes from the till over a six-month period before making up errors to account for the theft, a court has heard.

Leanne Wheawall pocketed £640 from the till at Stafford Post Office, located inside WHSmith, in Greengate Street in the town centre.

The thefts by the 24-year-old, of Lancing Avenue, Stafford, were spotted when errors in accounting came to light.

Mr Giles Rowden prosecuting at Cannock Magistrates Court said Wheawall was using the till during her employment at the post office inside WHSmith.

"Although she was employed by the post office she had authority to process items from WHSmith," he said.

"The defendant was taking cash and placing it in her bra and then putting errors through to account for it.

"This came to the attention of WHSmith after some unusual computer information in relation to money that seems to have not been accounted for. She was confronted by WHSmith and admitted it to the manager."

Wheawall yesterday pleaded guilty to a charge of theft that took place at various times between May and November 2011.

Robert Chadwick, defending, said his client worked at the post office in Stafford from February 2011 until she resigned in November.

He said she had already paid back £213 to the store.

"In a desperate measure she succumbed to temptation" he said.

He added: "She has broken the relationship of trust between the employer and employees. She describes her actions as stupid and is ashamed and embarrassed."

Wheawall was given a 12 month community order and must complete 80 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £85 costs.