Deltec fined GBP17,000 for delivering mail services without a licence

A company that collected and delivered mail without a licence, and its managing director, were fined a total of GBP17,000, plus GBP60,000 costs at Bow Street Magistrates Court, London, last week, Postcomm revealed today. In the first prosecution of its type brought by Postcomm, Deltec International Courier Ltd was convicted on all 11 counts on which it was charged under section 6 of the Postal Services Act 2000 for conveying letters without a licence. Barry Ellis, the managing director, was convicted on 11 counts under section 120 of the Act for conniving in, consenting to or being neglectful of the offences by the company. Nigel Stapleton, chairman of Postcomm, said: “Prosecution isn’t an activity we take lightly. In this case Deltec was made aware on a number of occasions that it required a licence and chose to act outside the law. Protecting mail integrity through licensing is a vital safeguard for customers as we open up the market. All legitimate operators must have licences, and we will take firm action against anybody who deliberately operates without one.”