THE fall from grace of former footballer Andy Llewellyn is a sad story for him. But it is far worse for the people who suffered as a result of his deceit.

For he betrayed the homeowners whose details he was trusted with.

Ironically they were given to the Royal Mail to try to prevent burglaries happening while the houses were unoccupied.

Instead, thanks to Llewellyn, the information went straight into the hands of criminals.

As a result decent people lost treasured possessions. Their value has been put at £100,000 but in reality many of them will have been priceless holding a lifetime's memories.

By passing on the addresses of empty homes Llewellyn was as bad as the burglars who raided them.

He should have protected those he delivered to but instead he treated them with contempt.

He may well have been under pressure to pay back a loan. He may well have received a call appearing to threaten one of his sons. But he should have gone to the police.

Unlike many criminals Llewellyn would have known his victims, who in many cases were elderly, because they were part of his daily life.

Like the rest of us their instinct was to trust postmen and women. Breaching that trust was unforgivable.