A VICAR whose home was burgled by a drug addict says he has forgiven him.

Drug addict Craig Laidlaw was jailed for three years and four months for the break-in at the St Paul’s, Astley Bridge, vicarage in June.

But speaking after the sentencing at Bolton Crown Court, the Rev Nick McKee said: “We are pleased that justice has been done, but we hold no resentment against the offender.

“Forgiveness is central to the Christian faith and my family and I will be praying for our burglar and we commend him to the love of God.”

David Clarke, prosecuting, told the court how Mr McKee left his vicarage in Sweetloves Lane at 7pm on June 23.

But at 8.20pm neighbour Janice Nuttall was walking past the property with her daughter when they spotted a man walking away from the vicarage garage carrying a holdall and string bag.

They contacted the police and discovered that a ground floor kitchen window had been smashed and unlocked.

When Mr McKee returned he found that 300 Euros had been taken from a bedroom drawer and a Pentax camera removed from the dining room.

Mr Clarke said DNA tests from blood on the window frame revealed it belonged to 32-year-old Laidlaw.

Following his arrest on July 12, Laidlaw, of Heatherfield, Sharples, admitted he had committed the burglary and had used cash from selling the camera to buy drugs.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson, was told that Laidlaw, a father-of-one, already has convictions for 21 offences of dishonesty, including five previous house burglaries and street robbery of a pensioner, for which he has served prison sentences.

Nicholas Ross, defending, stressed Laidlaw had not deliberately targeted the vicar’s home.

“He was having a mooch around the area looking for a soft target and did not appreciate this was a vicarage,” he said.

“He has said he is very sorry and feels ashamed.”

Laidlaw was told by Judge Clayson: “Burglaries of people’s houses always attract serious sentences.”

Mr McKee thanked police for the way they had handled the burglary.

“We are grateful to the police for their support and efficient resolution of this case,” he said.