Shunned husband's altar smash
A shunned husband caused £20,000 of damage to the Black Country church where he got married by driving his car through the front doors and down the aisle.
Robert Knowles, of Stourdell Road, Halesowen, was today starting a 10-month jail sentence for the wreckage.
Knowles was in a "very emotional state" after his wife of two years told him the relationship was over and there was no chance of a reconciliation.
Mrs Sally Cairns, defending at Wolverhampton Crown Court, said the 36-year-old went back to Flame Community Church, in Rowley Regis, feeling "hurt and rage" and lost control as he lined up his Vauxhall Astra with the main doors.
He destroyed flooring, carpets, computers and caused some flooding as the car ripped radiators off walls before leaving the vehicle wedged on a stage.
Mr Hugh O'Brien-Quinn, prosecuting, said the damage caused major problems to members of the congregation, because it was a church that relied on charitable donations.
Knowles walked away from the scene, and, when arrested the following day, told police officers, "My wife doesn't want to know me."
The defendant admitted criminal damage and was told by Judge John Wait: "You were well aware that church was central to the lives of many people including your wife.
"You were well aware of the distress any vandalism to a church held dear by so many people would cause. You caused a great deal of hurt and distress."
Judge Wait added it was not a momentary loss of control adding, "This was something you thought out because you lined up your car with the front doors of the church. In my view this was a wicked offence and it is so serious only custody can follow."
He believed Knowles had used his car as a weapon and banned him from driving for a year.
