Guernsey Press

Guernsey Post says 'no evidence' Sark mail was tampered with

ALLEGATIONS that Sark residents' mail was being tampered with have been quashed by Guernsey Post.

Published

Islanders have been sent a letter of reassurance from the utility, following allegations in the Sark Newsletter, which is edited by Kevin Delaney.

In its letter, Guernsey Post said it had launched an internal investigation, while Guernsey Police conducted a criminal investigation.

No evidence had been found to support the claims, it said.

Guernsey Post chief executive Boley Smillie said the utility had a responsibility to provide a 'secure, efficient and convenient postal service' to everyone in Sark and as soon as it was made aware of what had been printed, it took action.

'In this regard when we were made aware of the allegations of mail tampering We duly followed our own internal procedures but could find no evidence of any incident of post security breaches at the Sark Post Office or for that matter in Guernsey,' he said in the letter.

The utility itself reported the matter to the police, who concluded there was no evidence to support the allegations.

'Accordingly, I would like to take this opportunity to provide categorical reassurance to all of our Sark customers that their mail is safe and there should be no cause for any concern,' said Mr Smillie.

'The allegations made in the Sark Newsletter were fully and independently investigated and have been found to be completely unsubstantiated.'

Sark Police and Performance Committee chairman Charles Maitland hoped the issue could now be considered resolved.

'The Sark Post Office and its staff play a vital role in our community and it is reassuring to know that completely unfounded allegations made by Mr Delaney have been found to have no substance.

'I am sure that both Guernsey Post Office and police have better uses for their time, and we can only hope that this is the end of the matter.'

Mr Delaney said it was 'very telling that Sark's one ruling part state government' would go to the trouble of issuing a press release to put a spin on the truth. He remained convinced he had been right.

'It is not an unfounded allegation that my mail was tampered with. It is an irrefutable fact, evidence for which is in the possession of the Guernsey Police.

'The Guernsey Police were, however, unable to obtain evidence that it was staff at the Sark Post Office who did it.

'Their investigation was inconclusive as no individual or group of people was brought to justice for the crime of intercepting and tampering with mail. Nevertheless, the fact remains that someone did.

'Many islanders therefore do feel that a dark cloud of suspicion remains over the Sark Post Office, as reported in my publication.'

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