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Postal worker charged with 115 counts of stealing phones and vouchers from mail

31 I-phones, cash and vouchers allegedly stolen from opened mail

Patrick O’Connell

Sat 9 Sep 2023 at 17:49

This 22-year-old postal worker appeared in court where he was served with a book of evidence in a case where he is accused of opening post and stealing items at Portlaoise Mail Centre.

Oluwaseyi Ogundre (22), with an address at 57 Clonroosk Abbey, Portlaoise is charged with 115 counts relating to the alleged opening of mail and theft of items, including 31 iPhones, cash, giftcards and St Vincent De Paul vouchers, at the An Post Mail Centre in Fr Browne Avenue, Portlaoise.

The thefts are alleged to have occurred on dates between September 7, 2021 and September 12, 2022.

Appearing before Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court on Thursday of last week, Ogundre was represented by solicitor Barry Fitzgerald.

The defendant, who was dressed in a black Adidas tracksuit, white T-shirt and ‘Yeezy’ footwear, did not speak during the brief hearing.

Sgt Michael Tarpey gave evidence of serving Ogundre with the book of evidence.

Applying for legal aid for a second counsel on behalf of his client, Mr FitzGerald said the amount involved was unusual when added up from the different charges.

Asked by Judge Cody for the precise sum alleged to have been taken, Sgt. JJ Kirby said it was ‘a large amount’ adding it involved ‘opening post and removing cash and vouchers.’

Granting legal aid, Judge Cody issued Ogundre with an alibi warning, informing him if he intends to rely on the evidence of any alibi at his trial, he is obliged to give notice of the alibi to the prosecution within 14 days of being served the Book of Evidence.

He then sent Ogundre forward for trial before Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 24.

Ogundre previously appeared before the court in early July.

On that occasion, Detective Garda Conor Egan had given a brief outline of the facts of the case.

He said the alleged crimes related to opening post and theft.

He said gardai were seeking trial on indictment, meaning the case would be sent forward to the higher circuit court.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client had lost his job but had gained part time employment in a local retail store.