ACTING Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday sentenced Marlon Bradshaw, 29, of Lot 128 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, to 12 months imprisonment for theft from a church.

The prisoner pleaded guilty to stealing $4,000 from the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, in Brickdam, Georgetown, on July 8.

Bradshaw told the Court he knew he did wrong but he took the money because he has to care for his pregnant, unemployed wife.

He said he took the cash off a desk as he needed to buy some groceries but he returned the sum.

However, the Cathedral Secretary, Desiree Mc Donald said Bradshaw maintained he did not steal the money when he was questioned that day.

She said it was only after a body search was conducted on him that the booty was recovered from in his pants pocket.

Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, said Bradshaw, who was previously charged twice, is currently on a bond.

The defendant, in tears, declared he is willing to go to prison because he cannot afford to pay the $30,000 fine, to which the jail sentence was an alternative.