A TEENAGER who stole lead from a church roof has avoided a custodial sentence.Andrew Ball and a friend were caught red-handed at St Filumena's Roman Catholic Church in Caverswall.
North Staffordshire Magistrates Court heard how parish priest Father Vincent Royles left the church secure at 5pm, on Monday April 9.
But at 10.40pm a police officer on patrol saw a Peugeot car parked outside the church gates.
Prosecutor Steve Knowles said: "He stopped and approached two people he has seen, Ball and another. Both seemed shocked to see the officer. They were shaking."
The officer searched the vehicle and found a large amount of folding lead flashing.
Ball's accomplice said the lead came from his workplace, a builder's merchants.
But inquiries confirmed that to be untrue.
The officer attended the church the next day and informed the priest.
"Three lead panels were missing and several others were damaged," Mr Knowles said.
The court heard the cost of the damage was estimated at between £750 and £1,000.
The other defendant, who can't be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to theft and was handed an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £500 compensation.
Ball, aged 18, of Leason Road, Meir, denied the offence but was convicted after a trial.
Simon Dykes, mitigating, said Ball's stance had not changed but he understood he had to be sentenced. He said Ball had offended throughout his early teenage years but his behaviour had recently improved and he had formed a relationship and his partner is expecting their child.
"He recognises he needs to move away from offending, that has blighted him throughout his teens, and move on towards adulthood," Mr Dykes said. "He wants to find employment and move on with his life. He knows he needs to grow up."
Magistrates sentenced Ball to a 12-month community order with supervision, a requirement to attend a 'custody diversion' programme for 60 days and 100 hours unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation and £200 costs.