A BURGLAR got more than he bargained for when a brave vicar tried to barricade him inside his church during a raid.

Lee Mullholland broke into the deacon's office at Grange Road Baptist Church, in Jarrow, South Tyneside, on the afternoon of June 30.

The 26-year-old was caught by the Reverend Roy Merrin, who tried to keep him in the building until he could get help.

When his plan failed, the court heard how the minister then threw tea at him to stop him getting away.

Tony Davis, prosecuting, said Mullholland ran through the sanctuary and made off with £39.80 taken from an office filing cabinet.

He was caught after his fingerprints were found at the scene.

The court heard how Mullholland is already serving a 27-month sentence for two commercial burglaries in February.

Judge Guy Whitburn said: "The church is a sanctuary and should not be violated, particularly by the likes of you."

Mullholland, of Hedgeley Road, Hebburn, admitted burglary earlier this week.

For the church raid, he had an extra three months added to the sentence he is serving.