Church thefts case adjourned

3:26pm Friday 5th September 2008

A man accused of stealing from Craven churches had his case adjourned by Skipton magistrates today.

Charles Lord, 63, faces 17 charges of stealing vases, collection plates and crucifixes from 16 churches between January 2003 and February this year.

He is charged with: stealing a £5 sheep ornament from St Matthew’s Church, Keasden on February 2, 2008; two brass vases worth £80 from St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Bolton by Bowland on July 13, 2004; six brass vases, a wooden cross and photograph worth £330 from St Bartholomew’s and St James’ Church, Tosside on April 9, 2004; two brass vases worth £200 from St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Bolton by Bowland on August 13, 2004; a £50 brass jug from St Andrew’s Church, Slaidburn, on August 4, 2004; a brass plaque and book worth £20 from St Mary’s Church, Gisburn, on or between January 1, 2003 and February 24, 2008; a wooden hymn board and poster worth £21 from St James’ Dalehead Church, Tosside on or between January 1, 2003 and February 24, 2008; two brass vases and a collection box worth £105 from St Matthews Church, Keasden on or between January 1, 2005 and February 24, 2008; a wooden cross worth £5 from St Mary’s Church, Ingleton, on or between January 1, 2006 and February 24, 2008; a pewter vase worth £20 from St Alkelas Church, Giggleswick, on or between December 1, 2006 and February 24, 2008; two brass vases and a brass crucifix worth £90 from the Church of the Epiphany, Austwick, on or between July 24, 2004, and July 30, 2004; a brass cross worth £100 from St Mary’s Church, Long Preston, on or between January 1, 2005 and February 24, 2008; a brass vase worth £15 from The Holy Trinity Church, Rathmell, on or between January 1, 2005 and February 24, 2008; a brass collection bowl worth £10 from St James’ Church, Clapham, on or between September 5, 2004 and September 12, 2004; a wooden crucifix, six brass vases and two framed photographs worth £110 from Kirkby Malham Church on or between January 1, 2005 and February 24, 2008; framed photograph worth £20 from Langcliffe Church, Settle on or between January 1, 2004 and February 24, 2008; two brass vases worth £500 from Eldroth Church, on or between January 1, 2003 and February 24, 2008.

Lord, of Knowles Cottages, Long Preston, denies all charges. His case was adjourned to September 19 for a case management hearing.