Thief who targeted churches jailed

A thief who targeted churches in Teesdale has been jailed.

A thief who targeted churches in Teesdale has been jailed.

Simon Michael McPhee broke into St Mary’s Church, in Staindrop, overnight on September 10, smashing a stained glass window before stealing a silver jug.

He then tried to burgle St Mary’s Church, in Newgate, Barnard Castle, on September 12, but was thwarted by a church warden.

Crime scene investigators recovered McPhee’s fingerprints at both scenes.

He was subsequently arrested outside the Savers store, in Barnard Castle, after stealing three bottles of fragrance on Tuesday, September 17.

The 39-year-old, of Darlington, answered no comment to all questions in interview.

He was remanded into custody and charged with burglary, attempted burglary, theft and handling stolen goods.

He appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court today (September 20) where he pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Sergeant Angela Drasdo, of Barnard Castle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Burglary is a despicable crime but even more shameful on a place of religious worship.

“Our team worked tirelessly to gather all the evidence needed to put McPhee before the court and I hope this sends a strong message to other opportunists that we are vigilant as a community and will not tolerate this type of behaviour.”