A delivery driver who stole iPhones worth more than £8,000 has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Stephen Graham Whittaker was working for Manx Independent Carriers when he stole eight phones that he was meant to deliver to Sure.

Whittaker, of Magherrosien, Port Erin, was dismissed from his job after Sure reported phones were missing and he was told to go to police headquarters, where he was arrested.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told him: ’You were entrusted to deliver parcels safely.

’It is important that public confidence in courier services is maintained.’

We previously reported that, on December 10, Whittaker, who is 24, was working for the courier and was meant to deliver 49 iPhones but stole eight when they fell out of a box.

Staff noticed the phones, valued at a total of £8,820, were missing and reported the matter to the company.

When interviewed by police, Whittaker said that the parcel was damaged when he delivered it and that he later noticed that some of the phones had fallen out.

He said that he originally intended to go back to Sure but when his shift ended he had seen an opportunity to make some money as he was currently in debt.

Whittaker said he stashed the phones in a woodland area near the National Sports Centre in Douglas but when he went back later they had gone.

One phone that was still in his possession was recovered but the other seven were never found.

Advocate Paul Rodgers said: ’Mr Whittaker committed the offence when under financial pressure due to drug use.

’He told probation he was minded to leave the island but that was due to circumstances at the time.

’He has been in employment since Saturday and does intend to stay here.’

He added: ’This was an opportunistic crime.

’It is accepted this is a breach of trust case. But it is one isolated incident when he’s been employed for a very short period of time.

’He handed himself in to the police. He had fallen into a bad position in his life through drug use.

’He made a terrible decision and has suffered since.’

He admitted a charge of theft and was also ordered to pay compensation to Sure of £7,814.