Man jailed for imprisoning vicar inside church

James Saunders was jailed for nine years and seven months

A man who punched a vicar and knocked a woman to the ground inside a church has been jailed.

James Saunders admitted false imprisonment, assault by beating and two counts of criminal damage to property at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The 39-year-old, from Stourbridge Road in Dudley, was also charged with wounding with intent but admitted a lesser offence of wounding GBH without intent.

A judge sentenced him to nine years and seven months in prison.

Saunders entered the Holy Trinity Church in Amblecote on 14 November and launched an "unprovoked assault", said West Midlands Police.

The woman, a church-goer, saw her attacker standing on his own when she turned to leave - but he blocked her path and ordered her to sit at the front, according to the force.

'Appalling incident'

Saunders threatened to kill the woman before knocking her to the floor and causing her to hit her head.

When the vicar of the church arrived, he was punched and his phone was smashed.

A concerned member of the public saw the church door had been barred and dialled 999.

Det Sgt Nadia Cooper said: "This was an appalling incident which caused significant fear and emotional distress to the two people assaulted, not to mention their physical injuries.

"This sentence has taken a highly dangerous individual off our streets and we hope the people he assaulted will find some closure knowing he has been jailed."

Archdeacon of Dudley Nikki Groarke said: "Thankfully, attacks in churches are relatively rare and it is important that they continue to be a place of safety for our clergy, volunteers and all those who visit."