Craig Knight, 50, broke into St Anne’s Church in Kew while drunk on 10th January
A Waltham Forest man has been fined more than £11,000 for drunkenly smashing a stained glass window of a Grade II-listed church in Kew, south west London.
Craig Knight, 50, broke into St Anne’s Church in Kew, south west London, while drunk on Saturday, 10th January.
According to Sky News, Reverend Canon Dr Giles Fraser spotted blood on the church altar and floor, and discovered that two brass candlesticks had been taken, though they were later returned.
Rev Fraser also said Knight had got into a mausoleum behind the altar and opened a box containing ashes.
During a hearing yesterday (9th March), Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court heard that Knight was “extremely ashamed” and reported what had happened to the police.
He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and removal of human remains from a place of burial, and was sentenced to a twelve-month community order.
Knight was also fined £11,415, including legal costs, and ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.
Chairman of the magistrates’ bench, Peter Jones, said Knight had behaved with “recklessness and impulse”.
Rev Fraser added: “I did feel quite angry when it happened. But the fact that the candles were returned, I think made people feel rather sorry for him.”
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