A fraudster former postman has been jailed for a number of offences including stealing mail and using the contents of the post to carry out further frauds

42-year-old John McKinney, formerly of the Newquay area, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence yesterday after pleading guilty to a number of offences.

Including, making a false statement to obtain a driving licence, possession of an identity document with intent to deceive, perverting the course of justice, theft of mail, theft of a Rolex watch, two frauds by false representation and two counts of making an untrue statement to procure a passport.

He was sentenced to 38 months in prison.

The court heard how McKinney worked as a postman in Truro between September 2023 and May 2024 and how some of his crimes relate to the theft of mail - including cheque books from three elderly victims, a driving licence, and a credit card.

The stolen items were then used to carry out more frauds. With the cheque books McKinney paid himself more than £9,000 of cheque deposits.

McKinney was also convicted of having a false driving licence, which he used to open multiple bank accounts.

Officer in the case, DC Jane Bickley said: “We welcome the sentence given to John McKinney at Truro Crown Court. His offending came to light as a result of driving offences.

“McKinney’s offences demonstrate a high degree of sophistication. He showed no regard for the victims from who he stole from along the way. They have been left to pick up the pieces after McKinney’s offending – initially unknown to them – came to light.

“This case has involved working with HM Passport Agency, HMRC, the DVLA, the DVSA and numerous banks and financial institutions.

“The offences came to light as a result of McKinney’s motoring offences. Our Road Safety Team Investigation team work tirelessly to crack down on criminality stemming from road traffic offences, in support of the Vision Zero South West aims.

“This case has included extensive financial enquiries and shows that no matter how complex the fraud, we will investigate it and bring offenders to justice.”