A BORN-AGAIN Christian ran around like a 'lunatic' when he burgled a priest’s home.

Christopher Reilly, 47, targeted St Wulstan’s Presbytery in Great Harwood as Father John Clarke took his dog for a walk, Burnley Crown Court heard.

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But later Reilly, who has previously lectured schoolchildren on the perils of prison life, was wracked with remorse, the court was told.

An earlier Blackburn Magistrates Court hearing was told Reilly was given a 13-year jail sentence, in 2000, for offences including the robbery of a priest.

Reilly, of St James Close, Church, admitted burglary with intent to steal. He was given a two-year community order, including 25 days of rehabilitation activities.

He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Father Clarke after he smashed his kitchen window with a spade while breaking in.

Richard Bennett, prosecuting, said when the priest returned from his walk he discovered the broken window and paperwork on his desk had been disturbed.

CCTV footage later showed Reilly carrying out the break-in and he was arrested.

Interviewed by police, he confessed he had broken in and 'run around like a lunatic' efore someone rang the doorbell and he fled through the nearby church.

Reilly believed he may have stolen a small item but the priest had not reported any missing articles, the court heard.

Alexander Rostron, defending, said his client had suffered abuse while in the care of the Catholic Church as a youngster.

The defendant had not been taking medication, for mental health problems, and had been 'egged on' to carry out the burglary by others, he added.

Liverpool-born Reilly had not offended since his release from prison and would benefit from assistance, he said.