York stone gang stole from eight churches in 'despicable' plot

TWO LOCKED UP FOR THEIR ROLES IN THEFT SPREE

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

A BRIDE had to walk down a 'dirt path' on her wedding day and pallbearers had to 'tread carefully' after a gang stole historic York paving stones from churches across the north west.

Jason Perry, 49, a veteran who received a bravery medal following tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as brothers Connor Lipinski, 28, and Owen Lipinski, 31, were involved in the 'despicable' plot.

The gang targeted eight churches in Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Lancashire, four of which were Grade I-listed, during a three-month spree last year. They spent 'hours' digging up the historic paving slabs before selling them on.

Chester Crown Court heard that the thefts had a huge impact on congregations at the churches, with the repair bill across all eight said to total more than £100,000.