A burglar has been jailed for three years for breaking into a Catholic church rectory and stealing collection money along with the priest's wine and whiskey.

William Stanley, 40, smashed a window to force entry to Father Paddy Cannon's home, adjoined to St Dominic's Church in Violet Lane, Waddon, just weeks after the priest had offered him support and given him money because was hard up.

Stanley stole £80 in cash and several bottles of alcohol, given to the priest as gifts, during the June 10 break-in.

Police traced Stanley after a blood-stained tissue discovered following the burglary was sent for anaylsis and found to contain his DNA. 

Stanley, of Selhurst New Road, South Norwood, was arrested on June 27 and convicted of burglary on Thursday at the Old Bailey.

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Stanley targeted St Dominic's Church in Waddon after being supported by its priest

His conviction also activated a 16-week supended prison sentence for a previous shoplifting offence.

Detective Constable Simon Nicholls, from Croydon police, said: "After we identified Stanley through the DNA evidence on the tissue, we discovered he'd previously visited the priest a few weeks before and had been given a glass of water and some coins by the priest after learning about his apparent hardship.

"The fact that he turned on someone that had offered him help and support and thought to steal from them is a terrible thing.

"He'll now be spending a considerable time behind bars where he will be able to reflect on his actions."