Two people are due in court after allegedly ignoring the commandment 'thou shalt not steal'.

A man and a woman have been charged by officers investigating a theft at the Catholic Church of Our Lady, Help of Christians in Guildhall Street, Folkestone.

The woman, who is also charged with two counts of theft at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and another in Folkestone, is due to appear in court this week.

Police were called following reports a handbag was stolen while it was reported a mobile phone and other items were taken as the member of the congregation attended a service on August 31.

Officers carried out a number of inquiries and this week arrested and charged 30-year-old Eileen Doherty of Page Road, Hawkinge.

They have also charged Stuart Girt, 35, of Valebrook Road, Folkestone.

Both have been charged with theft by finding and have been remanded in custody.

Girt will appear before Folkestone Magistrates tomorrow.

Doherty has also been charged for a shoplifting offence dating back to January 20 at Debenhams in Sandgate Road.

It was reported four boxes of perfume and three pairs of shoes were taken from the store.

On August 29, she was also charged with two counts of theft of cash and a handbag from patients at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

She will appear at Canterbury Magistrates Court on Friday.

It is the latest incident at the church, which on Remembrance Sunday last November had a valuable statue of the Virgin Mary stolen from its Remembrance Day display.

The statue was estimated to be worth around £600.