A PRIEST whose vicarage was broken into whilst he was on holiday has praised the police after the burglar was sentenced to two years in prison.

Gavin Thomas Disson, of Court Street Close, Tisbury, entered the presbytery at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Station Road, on September 17.

Disson, aged 39, broke into the presbytery whilst Father Robert Miller was on holiday but fortunately he was spotted by a member of the public who reported a suspicious man entering the garden of the vicarage to off-duty police officer.

PC Steve Porter could not find anyone on the premises but phoned 999 to report a possible burglary.

While waiting for on-duty officers, PC Porter saw the suspect and managed to detain him.

Father Miller told the Journal: “I live almost opposite an off-duty police officer who was about to have his afternoon nap before his nightshift when he was informed by a member of the public.

“Steve came over and arrested him and waited for on-duty officers to come with their squad car.

“The police have just been wonderful.”

Disson was searched and found to be in possession of two bottles of alcohol donated for a fundraising charity event, two empty collection envelopes which had been ripped open and £375 in cash.

He had also stolen a purple silk stole - an item of regalia usually worn around a priest’s neck during a service.

According to Father Miller it is the second time that Disson has broken into the vicarage and on each occasion he has walked into he has “walked into the arms of the law”.

“The first time a couple of years ago Steve came over and said ‘I’m a policeman, I will keep an eye on things’ and he has done that.”

Father Miller said that reason for Disson’s crime is due to drugs and alcohol.

“It would be wonderful if it [prison] could get him of the pills and liquid. He is trying to get off of them.”

On October 18 Disson pleaded guilty to burglary at Salisbury Crown Court.

Judge Keith Cutler sentenced Disson to two years imprisonment.

Inspector Andy Fee added: "This is great work carried out by Steve who just happened to be off-shift at the time - a good example which shows our local communities that our dedicated police officers are never really off duty

"Had it not been for Steve’s actions it is highly likely that our suspect would have gone before on-duty officers arrived."