Affected residents said they remembered being told last year that some of their mail had been delayed but had not known the reason. The court was told Misselbrook no longer worked for Royal Mail. A Royal Mail spokeswoman said a postman from Brentwood delivery office resigned last year following an investigation into the intentional delay of mail. "Delayed mail was delivered to customers with a covering letter. Royal Mail apologises to any customer whose mail has been affected. "Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of postmen and women. "It is a criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail. Royal Mail will always seek to prosecute."