Homeless man targets church

Jul 28 2010 By Tammy Hughes, Surrey Herald

David Spencer, who was living in his car at the time he broke into St Mary's Church in Stanwell in June, admitted burglary last Friday at Guildford Crown Court. He also admitted a second burglary in the same street, at a premises used by Marina Films, and was jailed for two years.

Mr Spencer forced his way into the 13th century building on June 5 and broke two windows.

One of the windows has since been replaced with another depicting the Virgin Mary. The other, in the vestry, is of great historical significance.

The vicar of Stanwell, Father William Whittaker, said: "It was a stained-glass window of a coat of arms of the last lord of the manor. We are going to try to repair it, but it will cost thousands; we are waiting for estimates."

Mr Spencer was found by police cowering in the toilets of the church after a neighbour heard the sound of glass smashing.

Kerry Nutting, prosecuting, said: "Police attended with dogs and found the defendant crouched inside nursing a cut hand."

Ms Nutting said the bill for damage was £6,500.

"It has been covered by the church's insurers, less the £300 excess," she said.

The court was told that Spencer had a long list of previous convictions stretching back nearly 20 years, eight involving break-ins at churches.

Spencer, who represented himself in court, said his offending was linked to his inability to find accommodation because of rent arrears in the past.

He said he had spent periods in custody almost every year since 1991.

Asked by Judge Christopher Critchlow why his crimes seemed aimed at churches, Spencer said: "I apologise for breaking into the churches. It might be a way of getting back at the system."

Father Whittaker said: "He needs to learn that he is causing emotional damage to people who care about these churches.

"Many of my parishioners were very hurt and angry that someone would cause all this damage."