Drug dealer plundered church

A drug dealer who plundered a church, stealing jewellery and cash donations, has been jailed for more than two years.

Ricky Green, 39, broke into Great St Mary’s Church, in Cambridge, overnight on 3 April by smashing a window.

He stole £15 from a donation tin before making his way to the gift shop and taking items of jewellery worth £143.

Green’s blood was found at the scene and two weeks later officers on patrol in Cambridge arrested him on suspicion of burglary.

During a search they found a knife, cannabis and a phone containing messages relating to drug supply. A further search at the police station unearthed a sim card in his sock and wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in his underpants.

Green, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of cannabis and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday (15 August).

PC Samantha Chapman, who investigated, said: “Green was brazen, without a care or any respect for the place of worship he stole from. 

“Despite covering his face to hide his identity, the blood left at the scene made our job much easier in securing evidence against him, meaning he had little choice but to admit the charges in court.

“I am glad justice has been done.”