Man who threatened to burn down church sentenced

A man who damaged a church and threatened to burn it down with people inside has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Richard Henderson has also been banned from approaching St Lawrence's Church in Warkworth, Northumberland, or its vicar, after he admitted five offences at Newcastle Crown Court.

Henderson, 65, damaged the Grade I listed church's pulpit, chancel and pews in May and June, the court heard.

He admitted four counts of criminal damage, one of making threats to cause damage and was jailed for 21 months, suspended for two years.

Judge Gavin Doig said attacking the "heritage and cultural asset" was an "extremely serious offence", adding the church was of great importance to the local community.

As well as damaging the church multiple times, Henderson also told a volunteer he would burn it down with her and the vicar inside, the court heard.

Judge Doig said Henderson, of St Lawrence Terrace, Warkworth, had a history of severe mental health issues and his sentence would include measures to try and tackle those.

A restraining order was also made to last indefinitely.

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