Drug dealer broke into Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge and plundered gift shop and donations

A drug dealer has been jailed for more than two years after plundering Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge, stealing jewellery and cash donations.

Ricky Green, 39, broke into the university church on Senate House Hill overnight on April 3 by smashing a window.

He stole £15 from a donation tin, then made his way to the gift shop and tookitems of jewellery worth £143.

Green’s blood was found at the scene and two weeks later officers on patrol in Cambridge arrested him on suspicion of burglary.

In their search, they found a knife, cannabis and a phone containing messages relating to drug supply. A further search at the police station revealed a SIM card in his sock and wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in his underpants.

Green, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of cannabis and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on August 15.

PC Samantha Chapman, who investigated, said: “Green was brazen, without a care or any respect for the place of worship he stole from.

“Despite covering his face to hide his identity, the blood left at the scene made our job much easier in securing evidence against him, meaning he had little choice but to admit the charges in court. I am glad justice has been done.”