The Milkman Who Delievers Much More Than Milk

During a casual conversation with some friends, somehow 'the milkman' is often used to hint a variety of dubious meanings other than his profession. Innuendo like: 'Wonder why that white couple got a black baby ... The milkman??' I remember a case in England years ago. Robert Holding, 72 year old milkman, was involved in a resounding court case.

Oh yes, there are still milkmen in England, and their service much appreciated in many villages and even in some cities, where supermarkets are not to be found or too far away, or some residents are old, without transport, disabled, dependent. Or simply somebody like me who prefers to pay just a little more but have some basic necessities delivered to the door. One and a half million Britain continue to receive delivery of milk, eggs and bread at their doorsteps.

Unlike the typical milkman, Robert Holding delivered not just milk, eggs, bread and yogurts, but also marijuana to order. This was discovered and he was arrested. When his house and his milk van were searched, the police found a total of 167 grams of cannabis hidden in egg boxes. In the street they were then worth about €500, trifle and insignificant for drug dealers in London, Barcelona or New York, but more than sufficient to meet the desires and necessities of the seniors of Burnley.

Holding had 6 children and 28 grandchildren, 57 years married to his wife who suffered Alzheimer. He confessed immediately but declared that he had not done it to make profit, hence the small quantity he kept and never beyond the very small area, with the tiniest margin of profit to make it affordable by those folks. He just wanted to help the old , people, 19 of them on his 'special' list, between the age of 70 to 92. Some of them in wheelchairs, and all suffered deliberating arthritis or back pains. Most had been told by hospitals that they could help no more. All of them declared very grateful to the milkman in interviews and in court.

The judge admitted that this was indeed an exceptional case, and imposed only 36 weeks of jail, which he was allowed to complete with provisional liberty. Thousands of people from all over Britain sent him letters of support, believing his purpose to be altruistic.

 

I am just concerned what are those old folks to do now without his help?

Tags:milkman,marihuana

Current Mood: Anxious