A thief has admitted stealing from a church collection box. Darren Baker Wooten, 22, smashed a stained glass window when he broke into the church.

Baker Wooten, of Richmond Road, Gillingham, broke into All Saints Church in High Street, Eastchurch, on the Isle of Sheppey, on May 26.

He broke in through the window and forced open a collection box, stealing the money inside, before taking cash from another collection box.

Altogether, it is believed around £20 was taken. Baker Wooten was arrested in the early hours of July 2, and charged with burglary.

He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court the following day and admitted the offence.
He was sentenced to 120 days in prison, suspended for one year.

Investigating officer, DC Tony Elms, said: “Stealing from a church is a despicable offence and repairing the damage caused by Baker Wooten smashing the window is estimated at £1,400.

“This should serve as a message to other offenders who believe they have a right to carry out these crimes: it will catch up with you and we will do all we can to bring you to justice.”