A HOMELESS drug addict who burgled a South Lakeland church and stole a silver cross has been locked up by a judge.

John Paul Fairer, 30, broke into St George's Church in Kendal on the night of November 19. His original plan, Carlisle Crown Court heard, had been to take heroin in a "warm and dry" place.

But after entering the church Fairer snatched candles, a silver cross, a silver holy oil receptical and electronic equipment. He intended to sell his haul to buy drugs.

However, he was caught on CCTV committing the crime and his fingerprint was found at the scene.

Fairier was sentenced at the crown court today having admitted burglary. He had also pleaded guilty to stealing a £50 jacket from Kendal's TK Maxx store on November 9.

Both offences were committed while he was subject to a suspended prison sentence. This was imposed in late October for a string of shoplifting crimes.

Fairer, formerly of Highfield, Tebay, and now of no fixed address, was sent to prison for a total of 40 weeks. He must also pay £694.99 compensation in respect of the items stolen from the church.