Cornwall drug addict tried to open Gwithian Church Safe



A male drug addict who attempted to steal money from a safe in a Cornwall Church has been ordered to pay compensation the church. The gentleman in question, Michael Carey and a female accomplice attempted to break in a safe within the Gwithian Church during September. The pair attempted to use a crow bar to break into the safe, Truro magistrates hears. Carey aged 31, of St Mary Street in Penzance has admitted the attempted theft and also criminal damage. The individuals were caught after they were caught on CCTV, this video was then consequently broadcast on BBC Spotlight, where viewers recognised him, and this led to his arrest. The court heard that Carey and the woman failed to get in to the safe, which held just 8. Despite not actually getting into the safe, the pair caused considerable criminal damage. The solicitor defending Carey stated that his client was a heroin addict and was attempting to steal money in order to pay for drugs. Carey also asked the courts to consider two other similar offences at two churches which had taken place. He has been ordered to pay the three churches a total amount of 185 in compensation and has also been ordered to attend a drug rehabilitation programme. The accomplice was caught at an earlier stage and was cautioned by police without trial.