A POSTAL worker who stole at the mail centre where she worked has been warned that she faces the prospect of going to prison.

Swindon magistrates heard that Gillian Lewis, 36, was under financial pressure when she was tempted to steal from postal packets.

She was spotted under surveillance by security officers and a trap was set to catch her.

Lewis, of Burbage Road, Penhill, admitted three charges of theft involving cash and gift vouchers, a total of £200. She also admitted two charges of opening packets.

The offences took place between January 1 and April 19.

Tim Dixon, prosecuting, for Consignia, said Lewis was spotted opening packets after complaints had been received about missing items and a large numbers of losses at Swindon Mail Centre.

Six greetings cards, some containing cash, were specially prepared and introduced into Lewis's work area, while she was on a meal break.

After she was seen opening two of the items, she was interviewed and admitted the thefts.

"She said she'd not been well," said Mr Dixon. "She said she had been off work and stealing to repay a friend."

Con Fernandes, defending, said: "The shame, sorrow and question of remorse is immense from this lady.

"She is so totally depressed."

Lewis started work full-time as a postwoman at Dorcan sorting office in March 2000.

But the following month, she became ill and had to take extended time off work.

She got into arrears and turned to a colleague for a loan.

Lewis was unable to afford her repayments and "out of desperation was tempted to do what she did," said Mr Fernandes.

Lewis was bailed until August 7 for probation reports.

Bench chairman Roy Jarvis warned her: "The possibility of a custodial sentence will remain open."