Thief targets a broad church of victims

A THIEF demonstrated religious equality - by trying to steal from both the Roman Catholic and Protestant church.

Chris Williams stole a set of keys from Blackburn and Seafield Church then tried to force his way into its Protestant minister's manse nearby by breaking open the lock.

A court heard that later that same day he was found prowling in the grounds of the Catholic Presbytery in Blackburn, where he got involved in a struggle with a church worker.

Williams, 20, of Armadale, West Lothian, admitted the offences when he appeared from custody at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing three mobile phones from Tesco in Bathgate and having heroin in his possession when he was arrested for that.

Williams was remanded in custody for two weeks by Sheriff Donald Muirhead for sentencing.

The sheriff called for background reports, including an assessment of Williams' suitability for a Drug Treatment and Testing Order.