Man stole bones from coffin

James Baille broke into a crypt at Ford Park Cemetery

A man who smashed his way into a crypt and took human bones from a coffin has been sentenced at Plymouth Magistrates Court.

James Baille,22, had pleaded guilty to charges of theft and criminal damage at an earlier hearing.

Sentencing him to 18 months conditional discharge, District Judge Paul Farmer said it was clear from pre-sentence reports that Baille needed regular medication.

Baille broke into Ford Park Cemetery in the city on Halloween this year and smashed into a coffin with a pick-axe and stole a skull and two leg bones.

Compensation ordered

The judge told him: "Your behaviour on this particular evening was bizarre."

Police found the bones and skull at Baille's home in Cecil Street, Plymouth, after they were alerted by social services.

Geoff Parlby, defending, said Baille was now in regular contact with a psychiatric nurse who gave him medication if necessary.

Baille was also ordered to pay £125 compensation towards the £600 damage caused at the cemetery.

The court was told he was a man of good character with no previous convictions.