An Oxford postman who stole hundreds of letters and parcels has escaped jail after being given a community punishment order.

Ricky Emmerson, 19, of Bernwood Road, Barton, was found with five pouches of mail in his bedroom as well as books, DVDs and vouchers he had stolen from letters.

Emmerson, who worked for the Royal Mail delivering to the Kennett Road area in Headington from November 15 last year to February 13 this year, escaped a prison sentence, but was given a 200-hour community punishment order and a fine of £100 for five charges of theft.

He had previously admitted stealing £30 of Marks & Spencer vouchers and 736 items of post.

Speaking after Emmerson was sentenced, Royal Mail investigator Darren Heaton said: "I felt the judge was a bit lenient. I'm sure he's probably right, but 250 hours is the maximum he could have been given. A lot of customers didn't get their mail and never will.

"It cost Royal Mail £2,500 to investigate. A contribution of £100 is very small."

Oxford Crown Court heard that Emmerson could not cope with his workload and did not want to tell his superiors. He was caught when he was spotted dumping sacks of mail in bins.

Robert Bullock, prosecuting, said: "The true seriousness of this offence is the damage it has done to the reputation of Royal Mail postmen and women who are honest and endeavour to carry out their duties the best they can."

He said that many businesses and residents in the Kennett Road area had not received any post for three days in a row.

Rachel Drake, defending, said: "His behaviour was not motivated in any way by greed or any desire for the items he delivered.

"He is simply a young man of 19 years who couldn't cope with the rigours of the job he had undertaken. He received a week's training shadowing another postman.

"Emmerson found it very difficult to complete his round by 2 o'clock and his personality meant he felt extremely vulnerable to the criticism of people he worked with. He acted in panic."

Judge Tom Corrie said: "It must be clearly understood that those who do what you have done will invariably go to prison. In your case you are very young and of good character."