A DPD driver has been accused of stealing parcels worth £7,000 that he was supposed to deliver across Northumberland. Josh Nordon, 27, allegedly stashed the packages instead of completing deliveries during a 12-day period in December last year.
Court Hearing and Charges
Nordon, of Hamilton Road in Hawick, Scottish Borders, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week to face a single charge of theft by employee, which he denied. Prosecutor Paul Doney said the alleged theft involved parcels worth £7,032 between December 1 and 12. Mr Doney stated, "The Crown would say that this is suitable to be tried in the magistrates' court."
Defence Claims Parcels Were Damaged
Defence solicitor Georgia Snowdon argued that Nordon believed the parcels were damaged and placed them in his cabin for safekeeping because the vehicle's back door lacked a deadlock. "If he leaves the vehicle, his cabin door automatically locks. He was going to return the parcels to the depot. He never had an intention to permanently deprive DPD of them. He disputes he acted dishonestly," Snowdon said.
Trial Scheduled
District Judge Paul Currer accepted jurisdiction and set a trial for October 6 at the same court at 2pm. He granted Nordon bail, warning that failure to attend could result in prosecution under the Bail Act or a warrant for arrest. The judge noted, "I notice you say you were keeping the parcels in your cabin because they were damaged. That will be determined at the trial."
