Fingerprints linked a Milford Haven man to the scene of a smashed church window, a court has heard.

Samuel Maguire, of Hawthorn Path, Mount Estate, pleaded guilty to criminal damage when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, April 23.

Prosecutor Stephen Mallison said Maguire, 33, and his partner attended the Church of Nantucket, Milford Haven, on April 1, 2018, but were asked to leave, and they were later found going through some belongings upstairs.

A church trustee who called to check on renovation work on April 7 noticed that a window was open, smashed and bent on its hinges.

Another three windows were discovered to be open at the rear of the building.

Mr Mallison said: “Fortunately nothing was taken. Fingerprints were taken and linked this defendant to the scene.”

He added that a total of £800 of damage was caused to the window, but the owners were only requesting the £250 insurance excess.

Nick Devonald, defending, said Maguire had admitted causing the damage to the window when interviewed.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered Maguire to pay £250 compensation, plus £85 court costs and a £30 surcharge.