Colchester man stole staff from St Leonard's Church

Samuel Richfield, 30, threatened a woman working in St Leonard’s Church as he snatched the liturgical item and made off with it.

The historic object nods back to the earliest days of the Church of England when it was used to highlight the importance of the individual holding it.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard Richfield exited the church in Hythe Hill, Colchester, and used it as a “weapon”, on February 22.

He damaged a car and, when later arrested, was found to be in possession of 0.2g of cocaine.

Richfield, of Culture Close, Colchester, admitted theft, threatening behvaiour, criminal damage, possession of a weapon and possession of cocaine.

Court - Colchester Magistrates' Court (Image: Archant)

The court heard he had been detained under the Mental Health Act months prior to the incident and was once again held following it.

District Judge Christopher Williams said: “These were very unusual circumstances. You were previously on antipsychotic medication and had mental health issues at the time.

“You obviously weren’t in the best frame of mind at the time but you have now sought help and you have obtained medication.”

The judge ordered Richfield to pay the church worker £50 in compensation, adding: “You made a threat which would obviously have been very concerning to her.”

Due to a suspended sentence order being imposed on Richfield by another court, the judge opted to conditionally discharge the defendant.

He said: “If you commit any offences in the next 12 months you will be sentenced.

“It is greatly mitigating, in my view, your mental health at the time.”

Judge Williams stated the staff has subsequently been returned to the church and the seized cocaine will be destroyed.

Richfield must pay a £22 victim surcharge.