Trio jailed over priest robbery

Three burglars who forced their way a priest's home and punched him in the face before making off with church funds have been jailed.

Father Francis Wadsworth, 37, was attacked as the men barged their way into St Ann's RC Presbytery in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

The priest bit the hand of one of the thieves before they escaped.

They admitted burglary and assault and were sentenced to four years in jail at Minshull Street Crown Court.

The incident took place last November as Father Wadsworth returned to his home following a hospital visit.

'Beggars belief'

Brothers Paul Hands, 28, of Holebottom, Ashton-Under-Lyne, and Andrew Hands, 25, of Atlas Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, and Stephen Hinchcliffe, 25, of Gambrel Bank Road, Ashton-Under-Lyne, were each sentenced to four years in prison for admitting burglary and assault.

Hinchcliffe also pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession of a shotgun cartridge.

The priest suffered bruising to his right eye and was left very shaken by the incident.

DC Amanda Mercer, from Tameside CID, said: "This was a despicable and cowardly attack on a priest in his own home.

"Father Wadsworth was left extremely distressed by the ordeal and I am sure he is now more reluctant to answer his door after dark now, which is a terrible feeling for someone to have, especially when they have such an important role in the community.

"It beggars belief why someone would choose to steal money that belonged to the church and would have been destined for a worthwhile cause."