A POSTAL worker who failed to deliver more than 1,000 packages and letters has been warned that she could be jailed.

Beverley Ann Reynolds, 27, of River Walk, West Auckland, was investigated after people living on her round in Darlington complained of not receiving their post.

When her home was searched, eight mailbags of letters and parcels were found, as well as a suitcase under her bed.

In all, there were 1,139 packages; 1,284 were unopened, but 55 had been tampered with and in some cases, items removed.

They included a digital camera, jewellery and gift vouchers, with a combined value of £278.21.

Reynolds pleaded guilty to stealing packets belonging to the Royal Mail Group Plc, and of being in breach of her duty as a postal operator by intentionally destroying a postal packet, at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Jonathan Moreland, prosecuting, said the offences took place between August and October last year, and suspicion was raised by residents.

It is hoped at least some of the letters and parcels can still be forwarded to the rightful recipients.

Graham Hunsley, mitigating, said Reynolds was of previous good character and had enjoyed her job, although she only worked for Royal Mail for about two months.

He said she had gone back to work after having a child, but problems began when her marriage broke down.

The court heard that she began to receive threatening calls from her now ex-husband, and a panic button was fitted in her home.

He then began to make calls, claiming that he was going to pick their child up from nursery outside agreed access times, leading her to stop her round so that she could wait outside the gates.

"In retrospect, of course, she realises that the last place she should have been was at work," said Mr Hunsley.

He said she was receiving counselling and medication for depression, and added: "I don't think she's totally clear about everything that happened."

Reynolds was granted unconditional bail ahead of a pre-sentence report with a custodial steering, which will take place at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Friday, April 20.