A postman who stole packages worth over £7,000 to get money for drugs has been spared a jail sentence.

Simon Brooks had worked for the Post Office for 10 years when he committed the offences in Faversham between August and September last year.

Mr Kerry Waitt, defending, told Maidstone Crown Court Brooks stole to sustain his drug habit.

"He has underlying psychiatric problems and other issues have been identified," he said.

"He has sought help from the community psychiatric team."

Mr Waitt said Brooks, of St Catherine's Drive, Faversham, had personal debts of over £40,000 and owed his parents about £100,000.

He had signed over his Post Office pension of £6,395 to pay restitution.

Recorder Simon Taylor QC told Brooks, 30, who admitted two theft charges, that such offences were very serious because they undermined public trust in the Post Office.

"I have carefully considered whether to impose a custodial sentence," he said.

"I note you did come clean very quickly and it was followed by an early guilty plea with no attempt to hide your responsibility.

"It counts heavily in your favour and you have led an honest, industrious life hitherto. That counts as a bank on which you can now drawer.

"Taking these matters into account, I am able to pass a non-custodial sentence."

Brooks was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a "high level" drugs rehabilitation requirement and supervision.