A SOUTHAMPTON man has been jailed for causing more than £5,000 worth of damage to a church.

Fraser Ian Edwards Ross caused damage to Sacred Heart Church in Exeter, Devon, on October 2 last year.

The 23-year-old caused a total of £5,640 worth of damage to the stonework and other church items.

The Roman Catholic Parish Church, on South Street, was built between 1883 and 1884 and was designed by Leonard Stokes.

It is a Gothic Revival church and a Grade II listed building.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

Ross, of Howard Road, Southampton, was committed to prison for 16 weeks and ordered to pay compensation of £5,640.