A MAN who claimed to be a born-again Christian broke into the home of a Great Harwood priest when he was out.

Blackburn magistrates heard Christopher Peter Reilly left empty handed after the door bell rang at St Wulstan’s Presbytery.

But magistrates ruled their powers of punishment were insufficient and committed him to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on Monday, April 3.

Reilly, 47, of St James Close, Church, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Fr John Clarke took his dog for a walk at about 1.15pm on a Saturday.

When he got back he saw the kitchen window had been smashed and a wheelie bin placed under the window.

“He immediately knew he had been burgled and contacted the police,” said Mr Robinson.

CCTV footage showed Reilly knocking on the front door of the presbytery and going to the back when he got no answer.

He used a spade to force the kitchen window before climbing in.

“Father Clarke could not find anything missing,” said Mr Robinson.

He said Reilly had been jailed for 13 years in 2000 and one of the offences had been robbery of a priest.

Simon Farnsworth, defending, said his client described himself as a born-again Christian and said he had gone to the church to seek some advice.

“When he found there was nobody in his mid changed somewhat,” said Mr Farnsworth.

“He thought he heard the door bell and ran out through the church.

“The suggestion there was some kind of sinister link to the robbery offence in 2000 is totally refuted.”