A MAN who stole lead off a church roof has been jailed for six months.
Jack Hinchcliffe, 31, of Tower Street, Todmorden, admitted theft and criminal damage.
Calderdale magistrates heard that the offence happened at St Michael's Church, Burnley Road, Todmorden, on September 28.
Elizabeth Wright, prosecuting, said p
olice were called by a witness who lives near the church.
When officers arrived, he tried to hide on the roof of the building but was told a police helicopter was on its way.
Miss Wright said: "Hinchcliffe stood up, walked to the front edge of the roof, climbed down a drainpipe and was met by police officers."
Later, his van was searched and a quantity of lead, thought to be worth £900, was found inside.
Miss Wright said £5,000 worth of damage was caused to the floor and walls of the church by rainwater after the lead had been removed.
He tested positive for opiates and cocaine but disputed the results.
Paul Manning, for Hinchcliffe, an electrician, said he was in financial difficulties because of the credit crunch.
"He was approached by others and became involved because he had the use of a van to carry the lead.
"It was a real error of judgement," said Mr Manning.
He said Hinchcliffe has used drugs in the past but not when he committed the offences.
The full article contains 228 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
