Church thief caught on CCTV is jailed

A thief caught on church CCTV was today jailed for six months after the images were published in the Express & Star.

Scott Pooler, 34, from Gibbs House, Gibbs Road, Lye pleaded guilty to one charge of theft.

He was sentenced to six months to run concurrently with an existing four year sentence for burglary.

He committed the theft while on licence from prison after being released in July for a separate crime.

Chairman of the bench Susan Ridley said: "This was quite a disgusting and despicable offence."

Prosecutor Mr Mark Cooper said the chain and the crucifixes were stolen to be sold for scrap metal.

The chain was found in a roadside drain after being dumped because it was too readily identifable.

The crucifixes have already been sold for scrap. He said: "Pooler was caught by images caught on the church CCTV. This is a sad indictment of today's society."

Defending Mr Sunil Jagatia said Pooler had found it difficult to settle into normal life outside prison after being released and had gone back to using heroin.

He was identified from the CCTV.

Holy Trinity Church had released CCTV pictures of people who they hope will help in the search for the stolen items. A brass crucifix, a three-foot high cross and a civic chain were taken from Holy Trinity in Amblecote, Stourbridge. The items said to be worth "a substantial" amount of money were taken while the church was open to the public.

Despite the thefts, churchwardens say they will continue to keep the church open during the day as they do not want to deprive worshippers. But they have now hidden away other valuable items.

The engraved glass chain of office, celebrating the area's glassmaking heritage, was presented to the priest by the outgoing chairman of the former Amblecote Urban District Council when it was dissolved in 1966.