A Suffolk post office clerk who stole more than £27,000 to fund a gambling addiction has been jailed for 18 months.

Daniel Metcalfe stole several hundred pounds a week over a period of nine months from the post office in the High Street, Brandon by adjusting stamp stock figures, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The thefts were discovered after the Post Office became aware of anomalies and carried out an audit, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

When Metclafe was confronted about the missing money in April by the sub-postmaster he admitted he had been stealing several hundred pounds a week since July 2013 to fund his gambling addiction.

Mr Crimp said the sub-postmaster had to repay the money stolen by Metcalfe to the Post Office and because of this he was going to sell the business.

Metcalfe, 23, of Wake Avenue, Mildenhall, admitted theft and was jailed for 18 months.

Sentencing him Judge John Holt said the position of clerk was a trusted position.

“You stole just over £27,000 over a period of at least nine months and you covered your stealing by adjusting the stamp stock figures,” said the judge.

“Your employer, the sub-postmaster, is responsible for the loss. He had complete trust in you to be honest and reliable and the loss to him has become a major reason for his decision to sell the business.”

He said Metcalfe had no previous convictions but the case was so serious he had to go to prison immediately.

Ian James, for Metcalfe, said it was inevitable the thefts would be discovered.

He said his client had a gambling addiction and had sought help from Gamblers Anonymous.

“He does genuinely regret what he has done. He worked at the post office for several years without committing any offences at all,” said Mr James.