Homeless man helped by Coatbridge church congregation broke into priest's house

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A homeless man helped by a Coatbridge church congregation repaid their charity by breaking into the priest's house.Thomas Finnon had been sleeping rough and was attending the Outreach Project at St Augustine's, which included a foodbank.Now he has "jeopardised" his relationship with the church after his crime was caught on camera.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Finnon, 43, appeared from custody at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week.He admitted breaking into the priest's home in Dundyvan Road with intent to steal on August 27 last year.He owned up to previous convictions and was on bail for another matter at the time.Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said the priest was in the house at about 3pm when the church hall manager pointed out that a dining room window had been smashed.She told the court: "The priest went into the dining room and found broken glass on the floor."He viewed his CCTV and observed Finnon smashing the window and climbing through it to the house."He recognised the accused as someone who was a regular attender at the church's Outreach Project."Police officers were also able to identify Finnon from the footage.

Nothing was taken from the house."Defence solicitor Roberto Manini admitted his client's criminal record is "significant", but pointed out that his offending has decreased in recent