A former postman from Newquay has been sentenced to 38 months in prison after pleading guilty to a series of offences, including mail theft, identity fraud, and perverting the course of justice. John McKinney, 42, appeared at Truro Crown Court, where Judge Robert Linford handed down the sentence for crimes that spanned from stealing mail to using the stolen identities to carry out further fraud.
McKinney worked as a postman in Truro from September 2023 to May 2024. During this time, he intercepted various mail items, including chequebooks, a driving license, and a credit card belonging to three elderly victims. Using the stolen chequebooks, he deposited over £9,000 into accounts he had opened fraudulently. McKinney also obtained a fake driver’s license and passports under other people’s identities, which he used to open multiple bank accounts and secure a car loan.
One of McKinney’s most elaborate schemes involved the theft of a Rolex watch. In January 2024, he pawned the watch for £2,500 at a Penzance jewellery shop using a stolen credit card. He later returned to the shop, using a sleight-of-hand tactic to take the watch while staff were distracted, leaving with both the watch and the money. When questioned, McKinney initially attempted to implicate the shop itself as the victim.
Detective Constable Jane Bickley, the officer in the case, said, “McKinney’s offences demonstrate a high degree of sophistication. He showed no regard for the victims he exploited, who are left dealing with the consequences of his deceit.”
McKinney’s arrest was a result of a speeding offence linked to his fraudulent activities, leading to further investigations that uncovered the breadth of his crimes. His actions sparked a complex, multi-agency investigation involving HM Passport Agency, HMRC, the DVLA, DVSA, and numerous banks.
Authorities are encouraging anyone affected by crime to contact Victim Support for assistance.
