A man who carried out what a judge described as a “mean” burglary at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast has been jailed for five months.
The incident occurred at the historic cathedral in the city’s Cathedral Quarter when an intruder broke into the building and stole items from inside the church.
The case was heard before Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where the court was told the burglary targeted the well-known place of worship, which is both a religious site and one of Belfast’s most recognised landmarks.
During sentencing, the judge described the offence as “mean”, highlighting the nature of the location involved and the impact such crimes can have on the wider community.
St Anne’s Cathedral attracts thousands of visitors each year and plays an important role in Belfast’s religious and cultural life.
Burglaries at places of worship are often regarded as particularly distressing for congregations because churches and cathedrals rely heavily on community trust and openness.
Police from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigated the incident after it was reported.
Following the investigation, the suspect was arrested and later brought before the courts.
After hearing the details of the case, the judge imposed a five-month custodial sentence.
The case highlights the seriousness with which courts treat offences involving burglary, particularly when they occur at community or religious sites.
Church representatives previously expressed disappointment over the incident but thanked police for investigating the matter.
