A POSTMAN has been warned he is facing a prison sentence for tampering with mail.

Moez Dardouri, 35, stole £15 from one of five packages he opened, which had been intended for delivery.

Dardouri, who was employed by the Post Office for more than five years, was responsible for the Castlefields run from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

At Newcastle Crown Court yesterday he pleaded guilty to one charge of theft, on August 20 last year.

Dardouri, of Burns Avenue South, Houghton le Spring, was bailed until next month, when he is due to return for sentencing.

Before adjourning the case, Mr Justice Henriques, said: "Stealing from the mail is a very serious matter, it involves a breach of trust."

He said it was "a grave offence that greatly upsets the public".

The judge added: "Post Office workers must know there will be grave consequences if they interfere with the proper run of the mail."

He warned Dardouri: "The sentencing judge may well feel it is their duty to send you to prison.

"A prison sentence is a real possibility."