A burglar who smashed his way into a presbytery before fleeing empty-handed has been locked up.

Anthony Dale and an accomplice were caught on CCTV smashing their way into the building at the side of St Cuthbert’s Church, Stockton, earlier this year.

The 41-year-old was arrested in the town centre after he was recognised through the CCTV footage.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said: “Nothing was stolen, it seems like the two men were disturbed and were seen leaving by CCTV after a couple of minutes.”

Dale, of Westbourne Street, Stockton, pleaded guilty to burglary following the incident on May 14.

John Nixon, mitigating, said his client had been recalled on licence for a previous robbery and had pleaded guilty to the charge at the earliest opportunity.

Darlington and Stockton Times: St Cuthbert's Catholic Church in StocktonSt Cuthbert's Catholic Church in Stockton (Image: Google)

Judge Paul Watson KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, jailed Dale for ten months.

He said: “You kicked the door in and were clearly looking for whatever you could get your hands on.

“Thankfully, nothing was stolen.”