A postman who hoarded undelivered mail in his bedroom has been jailed for four months at Worcester Crown Court.

Jonathan Akers, aged 42, of Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, became unable to cope with work due to a drink problem.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of interfering with mail. Two charges of stealing mail were left to lie on the prosecution file.

Recorder Alan Dooley told father-of-two Akers he had committed a serious breach of trust.

The case had "sinister overtones", he added, because many of the stashed items contained cash.

A security manager for Consignia launched an investigation after greeting cards began to go missing in the Bromsgrove area, said Tarlowchan Dubb, prosecuting.

Akers fell under suspicion because he had most access to the lost items compared to other staff.

He was put under surveillance by CCTV cameras in a sorting office and was followed on his rounds.

It was discovered that he was sending abnormal levels of post to his own delivery box and six test items, with ultra violet markings, were then planted by Consignia.

These were not delivered to their correct addresses but were found among 54 postal items in Akers' bedroom.

The undelivered mail had dates ranging from July 2001 to January this year, said Mr Dubb.

Akers resigned from his job and was arrested by police in March. He refused to comment.

Miss Elizabeth Muir, defending, said his life spiralled out of control for 18 months due to alcohol abuse.

"He simply found he couldn't cope with work," she said. He always intended to deliver mail he kept at his own home - but never got round to it.

An attempt to patch up his failed marriage broke down after 12 months and he began spending long hours in the pub, leaving late at night.

Akers, who worked for Consignia for five years, had seven homes in the last 18 months and felt he was "at breaking point".

Miss Muir said he was disgusted by his own behaviour and terrified by the prospect of jail.

One of his sons felt so let down he now refused to have anything to do with his father.