A man who defaced and desecrated a church in Leyland has been sentenced

A man who used spray paint to deface a church in Leyland in April this year, has been sentenced.

Over 20 gravestones at St James’s Church in Leyland were daubed with paint including lewd images and derogatory comments about God.

A window at St Mary’s Church was also damaged and several cars in the area had similar images and language daubed on them.

On 5 November 2025, Joseph Williams, 31, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to eight months in prison, after he admitted two counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage and eight counts of criminal damage.

Clare Byers, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Joseph Williams deliberately targeted churches in his local area which has shocked and saddened the local community.

“He gave no thought to those that worship at the churches or the families of those laid to rest there.

“I hope those affected can feel some sense of justice knowing Williams will face the consequences of his disrespectful, hateful actions.

“There is no place for hate in our society.”

On 18 April 2025, Williams used paint to deface gravestones with lewd imagery and hateful language at St James’s Church.

On the same night he spray-painted the gate of a nearby property and on the following day, 20 April 2025, he targeted several vehicles with similar imagery.

On 27 April 2025, police were alerted to a male who had smashed a window at St Marys Church. Williams was stopped and arrested on West Paddock soon after.

During a house search, police recovered two bags that Williams was seen holding at the church containing a hammer and two bottles containing petrol.

Several cans of spray paint were also discovered at his home address.

The Reverend from St James’s Church was made aware of the damage on Good Friday.

His victim personal statement was read to the court which outlined the shock felt by the Reverend after seeing a sacred place of worship desecrated, especially on a religious day.

The Reverend explained he has spent some nights after that walking around the churchyard to protect it from further damage.

He also outlined how grateful he was to the community, local workmen and the council who all helped to put things right in time for a wedding the following day and religious services over Easter.

The parish Priest from St Mary’s Church also made a victim personal statement which was read to the court. He spoke about his shock and grave concern for the parish community as a result of the crime. He explained that he had been distressed emotionally and spiritually by the damage to a place of worship, which is supposed to be a safe place for the community.