Suspended Sentence Issued for Church Damage and Arson Threats

A man who caused damage to a church and issued threats to set it on fire with people inside has received a suspended prison sentence. Richard Henderson was also prohibited from approaching St Lawrence’s Church in Warkworth, Northumberland, or its vicar, after he admitted to five offences at Newcastle Crown Court. The court heard that Henderson, aged 65, damaged the pulpit, chancel, and pews of the Grade I listed church during May and June. He pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage and one count of making threats to cause damage, resulting in a 21-month jail term, which was suspended for a period of two years. Judge Gavin Doig described the attack on the “heritage and cultural asset” as an “extremely serious offence,” adding that the church held great importance for the local community. In addition to damaging the church multiple times, Henderson also informed a volunteer that he would burn it down with her and the vicar inside, the court was told. Judge Doig noted that Henderson, of St Lawrence Terrace, Warkworth, had a history of severe mental health issues, and his sentence would include measures designed to address these. An indefinite restraining order was also imposed.