Drug addict, 43, caught stealing cash from church

Man also targeted mosque and food bank to feed his habit

- BY ADAM EVERETT

A BURGLAR who broke into a church, a mosque and a food bank was arrested in a priest's bath.

David Roberts attempted to hide from police in the bathroom of the rectory after being caught red-handed stealing cash during a break-in.

His crime spree came against the background of the £200-a-day drug habit which has "consumed his life".

The "prolific offender" was left telling his wife he loved her as he was locked up yet again.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Roberts, of Clapgate Crescent in Widnes, attended a mosque on Arpley Street in Warrington while worshippers were attending prayers.

There, the 43-year-old was caught on CCTV trying on pairs of shoes which members of the congregation had taken off while praying before stealing one man's jacket and a mobile phone which had been left inside the pocket.

Zara Kayani, prosecuting, described how Roberts then struck at Widnes Foodbank at about 7pm on April 29, gaining entry by smashing a rear window and stealing food.

The area around this window was left "covered in blood" as a result of the burglary.

Roberts would go on to target St Alban's Church in Bewsey, Warrington, the following day.