A MAN has admitted sneaking into a Chester village church and, while in there, stealing wine and defecating by the church font.
John Steel, 41, of High Street, Halmer End, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 21 to plead guilty to two charges, one of 'theft by sneak-in' and one of criminal damage.
The court heard it was on September 19 when Steel snuck in to All Saints Church in Handley. When in there, he stole silverware, a quantity of wine and a first aid kit.
He also caused criminal damage, the court heard, by defecating by a font.
Both offences were committed while Steel was on police bail.
An application for bail was made and refused on the basis Steel had offended on bail, as well as his previous convictions. Steel will be remanded in custody pending his sentencing, after a pre-sentence report was requested for him.
He will be sentenced at North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme on October 4.
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