A POSTAL worker has avoided a jail sentence for stealing and destroying 172 packages.

Stephen Terence Fisher, 39, of Portland Street, Darwen, was given 46 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, by Hyndburn magistrates.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to three counts related to the theft of 172 packages belonging to Royal Mail from the Blackburn depot between December 1, 2009 and March 25, 2010.

Fisher must pay £250 costs an will be under probation supervision for 12 months.

He must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.