A SUSPECT in the police probe into the burglary at Christ Church in Derry last month was shopped to detectives by his own mother, a court heard today.
James Anthony Kennedy of Glenside Park in the city faced Derry Magistrates’ Court today on theft and criminal damage arising out of the incident which has left church leaders nursing a bill of up to £100,000.
The 22-year-old was charged with entering Christ Church as a trespasser on September 12.
He was also charged with stealing a priceless crystal decanter, a reader’s robe, communion wine and an organist’s surplice.
Kennedy also faced a charge of criminal damage to a stained glass window, an organ, a Bible and a boiler room also on the same date.
The burglary was discovered on September 12 by a member of the congregation.
Thieves had gained access to the church through a boiler house
A 19th century stained glass window was damaged at a cost of £15,000 to repair and burglars also defacated on floor during the rampage.
Around £50,000 worth of damage was caused to the church organ which had been gifted to Christ Church situated on Infirmary Road.
Total damage to the church was estimated to be between £75,000 to £100,000.
A priceless crystal decanter was also stolen in the break which was gifted to the church.
On Wednesday, police released images of the men through the PSNI Foyle’s social media sites as part of Operation Exposure.
The pictures of two suspects had been captured on Brooke Park CCTV cameras.
As a result, Kennedy’s mum rang police and said one of the two males in the pictures was her son, the court was told.
But Kennedy denied at police interview he burgled the church and admitted he may have been one of the two men captured on CCTV.
Despite police objections, Kennedy was released on his own bail of £500 along with one surety of £750.
He was banned from going within 200 yards of Brooke Park or Christ Church.
Kennedy will be back in the dock on Thursday, November 2, when the prosecution will update the district judge on progression in the case.
A 23-year-old man arrested yesterday remains in police custody at Strand Road station being questioned about the burglary, theft and criminal damage.
