A man who broke into the homes of two Wolverhampton vicars after they took pity on him has been sent to jail for just under two years.

Christopher Phillips, aged 28, of Flavell Close, Coseley, was given food and water at the churches he targeted in May, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday. He broke into the vicarage at St Alban’s Church in Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton on May 22, taking the Rev Paul Parkes’ mountain bike. He then forced entry at the vicarage at St Gregory the Great, in Black Halve Lane, Wednesfield, on July 6.

He stole three statues from the Rev Simon Mansfield. Phillips, who wore a chain with a Christian cross around his neck in the dock, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and was given a 21-month prison sentence.

Sati Aujla, prosecuting, said: “The church gave him food and water. They also gave him odd-jobs to do such as litter picking and would give him a couple of pounds.

“On May 22 the Rev Parkes saw the defendant riding away on a mountain bike. The church treasurer then found the garage window of the vicarage had been smashed.”

Miss Aujla continued that Phillips’ fingerprints were found on the inside of the window pane and he was arrested by police on May 28.

Phillips, who was living rough at the time, then committed his second burglary while waiting for a court date.

“The Rev Mansfield left the vicarage at 10.45am and on his return, Phillips had broken into the vicarage and was spotted nearby in a phone box,” Miss Aujla said.

“The reverend recognised him because he frequented the church for food and drink.” Three statues were taken and Phillips was arrested nearby.

Mr Eugene Hickey, defending, said: “He is remorseful and very ashamed as to what he has done. He feels he has broken the trust given to him.

“He has written a note of apology to the Rev Parkes to explain his remorse.”

Judge Michael Challinor told Phillips: “These burglaries involved people’s homes as it was a vicarage.

“You targeted these premises because you were made welcome there.”