Church burglar with a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation” sentenced
A Telford man has been handed a suspended prison sentence following a series of thefts and a burglary at a local church.
Timothy Kelly, 49, of no fixed abode, appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court on 13 February 2026. He faced multiple charges of shoplifting and one count of burglary.
The court heard that Kelly entered the All Nations Christian Centre as a trespasser on 24 July 2025. He stole an Apple iPad valued at £150. He was ordered to pay £150 in compensation for the theft.
Kelly’s shoplifting spree spanned several months and targeted various retailers across Telford. Between April and July 2025, he stole goods totaling over £1,300.
The items stolen included:
- Pets at Home: Pet products worth £550.
- B&Q: Two packs of batteries and a drill bit set worth £199.
- Co-op: Toiletry items, chocolates, coffee, meat, and alcohol.
- TK Maxx: A jacket, two hats, and a t-shirt.
- B&M: Coffee and laundry pods.
- Sports Direct: A Hugo Boss cap.
- Savers: Razors.
Magistrates imposed a total custodial period of 16 weeks, suspended for 18 months.
The court stated that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified. This was “because the defendant has a flagrant disregard for people and their property.”
The sentence was suspended because the court felt there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation.” Kelly was also ordered to pay hundreds of pounds in compensation to the affected stores.
