PARISHIONERS helped trace a thief who stole a church’s retiring collection during a service.

Alfred Sloane, aged 39, carried out the theft after attending worship at Christ Church Heaton, an Anglican church in Chorley New Road, Heaton, on Sunday.

Sloane, of no fixed address, admitted theft at Bolton Magistrates Court.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £25

Sergeant Mike Sharples, of Bolton police, said: “The congregation obliged with the usual collection to assist the poor and afterwards it was placed in a restricted area away from the public.”

He added that Sloane decided to help himself to the collection before making off with it.

Sgt Sloane said: “Quick-thinking members of the congregation followed him and contacted police, giving us live updates. Police patrols attended the scene and located the man who had hidden the collection down the front of his pants.”

Sloane, of no fixed address, admitted theft at Bolton Magistrates’ Court.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £25. Nobody at Christ Church Heaton wished to comment.