Man charged after Malton parish church is “desecrated”

A 37-year-old man will appear in court charged with criminal damage after a North Yorkshire parish church was “desecrated” over the weekend.
By Sophie Grubb
Published 22nd Jun 2015, 16:57 BST
Malton is one of 17 Food Enterprise Zones being backed by the government. Pic: Andrew HigginsMalton is one of 17 Food Enterprise Zones being backed by the government. Pic: Andrew Higgins
Malton is one of 17 Food Enterprise Zones being backed by the government. Pic: Andrew Higgins

The suspect was arrested and charged after the incident at St Michael’s Church in Malton. He was bailed and is due to be appear at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on July 6.

North Yorkshire Police declined to comment on the extent of the damage inflicted on the Church of England building overnight between June 19 and June 20.

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Martin Dales, who lives in the market town, said he heard what happened through word of mouth.

He said: “We prayed for (the congregation) at another church in the town. We need to show solidarity with those affected. People must be desperately unwell or something to do those things.

“The church is a home to some. Their spiritual home. They go there for sustenance, not to find that someone has desecrated the place. That is why people feel numb about it.”