Man jailed after church daubed in obscene graffiti

Joseph Williams daubed offensive graffiti at St James's Church

A man who daubed obscene graffiti on headstones in a church graveyard has been jailed.

Offensive images and expletives were also sprayed on the walls of St James Church in Leyland, near Preston, on 18 April.

Lancashire Police subsequently found vandalised property and cars in nearby Slater Lane. On 27 April officers discovered a smashed window at St Mary's Church.

Joseph Williams, of Nelson Avenue in Leyland, admitted two counts of religiously motivated criminal damage and six of criminal damage. The 30-year-old was jailed for eight months.

Senior prosecutor Clare Byers said: "Joseph Williams deliberately targeted churches in his local area which has shocked and saddened the local community.

"He gave no thought to those that worship at the churches or the families of those laid to rest there.

"I hope those affected can feel some sense of justice knowing Williams will face the consequences of his disrespectful, hateful actions.

"There is no place for hate in our society."

'Distressed priests'

In victim impact statements, clergy from the two churches expressed their shock.

The vicar from St James Church said he spent nights walking around the churchyard trying to protect it from further vandalism.

He thanked everyone who had helped put things right in time for a wedding the day after the attack, as well as for Easter services.

The parish priest from St Mary's Church spoke about his grave concern for the community.

He said he had been distressed emotionally and spiritually by the damage.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Williams used paint to deface gravestones with lewd imagery and hateful language at St James Church.

On the same night he spray-painted the gate of a nearby property.

The following day Williams targeted several vehicles with similar imagery.

A week later police stopped and arrested him after receiving reports of a smashed window at St Mary's Church.

Officers searching Williams' house found two bags - containing a hammer and two bottles of petrol - that he had been seen holding at the church.

Several cans of spray paint were also discovered at his home.