Prolific burglar jailed after targeting priest

Crook says 'he's getting too old' after being nabbed for burglary at presbytery

- STEPHEN TOPPING

A BURGLAR raided a priest's home while he slept before stealing his car.

Michael Cheetham, 43, was one of three men involved in the despicable crime, taking a Peugeot 5008 from outside Father Simon Firth's home, Minshull Street Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Prosecuting, Satpal Roth said Fr Firth was asleep at the presbytery of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Kingsway, Rochdale, when the crooks struck after 11pm last August 29.

Ms Roth described how two of the men 'circled' the car before approaching the presbytery.

They entered the priest's home and took the keys to the Peugeot, before stealing the car. Cheetham then drove the car away despite being disqualified from driving, the court heard.

Ms Roth told the court how Fr Firth had been left to feel uneasy' and 'vulnerable' following the incident.