Man jailed for burgling vicar and wrecking car

A man who burgled the home of a Lincolnshire vicar, stole her car and caused £3,000 of damage to it, has been jailed for two years.

Joshua Lawrence-West, 23, of no fixed address, admitted burgling the vicarage in Church Street, Holbeach, on 4 June and the theft of a car belonging to The Reverend Sherine Angus.

He also admitted two counts of fraud by false representation and two other burglaries in the town.

Passing sentence at Lincoln Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge James House KC said at least two of the burglaries took place at isolated locations, leaving owners feeling unsafe.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Lawrence-West carried out the first burglary on 4 June when Ms Angus was woken by her barking dog but went back to bed without seeing anything suspicious.

David Eager, prosecuting, said Ms Angus' daughter noticed a damaged window. She also saw their rear gate was open when she woke the next morning, said the barrister.

Further checks showed damage to the family's television. Ms Angus' car, car keys and bank card were also taken.

Mr Eager said: "The owner's car was fitted with a locator and showed it was now in Whaplode. It was recovered by the police but had sustained £3,000 damage."

A second burglary, on 26 June, saw Alexander-West - joined by Daniel Smith, 26, of Pheasant Street, Holbeach - steal two bicycles, a camera and commemorative coins from property at Fleet Lodge.

Smith was jailed for nine months, suspended for 18 months, for his involvement in the incident.

He was also ordered to complete 50 days' rehabilitation and wear an electronic tag for four months.

The final burglary happened on 1 July at The Lawns when the home owners noticed a man, which turned out to be Alexander-West, walking on their land.

Mr Eager said they returned home to find several items missing, including a bank card and £500 in cash.

The card was later declined when Alexander-West tried to pay for a £69 tracksuit at the Factory Shop in Holbeach.

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