A MAN has admitted being involved in the theft of parcels and other packages from Royal Mail vans.

James Gibb was one of two men arrested on suspicion of stealing thousands of pounds worth of cash and goods from special delivery mail vans across the country.

Among the incidents were thefts reported in Consett, County Durham, as well as in Carlisle, in Cumbria, and Guildford, Surrey, from where the estimated total of property taken was £78,000.

Gibb, 43, appeared at Durham Crown Court yesterday, when he admitted a charge of conspiracy to steal cash and mail from the Royal Mail.

The offence was said to have been committed between May 15 and October 4 last year.

Sentence was adjourned by Judge Richard Lowden pending preparation of reports on Gibb by the probation service.

But his barrister, Richard Vardon, said his client was "realistic" about the likely outcome when he returns for sentence next month.

Adjourning the hearing until June 17, Judge Lowden bailed Gibb to an address in Newton Heath, Manchester.

But he warned him: "The fact that you've been granted bail should not be seen as any indication that there will be good news for you at the outcome of this case.

"It seems to me it will almost inevitably attract a prison sentence.