Thief robs priest

A West Coast man sought solace from a Blenheim priest then stole his wallet while his back was turned.

Steven Michael Bellis, 40, of Cobden, was remanded on bail by Greymouth District Court for sentencing on May 17 when he admitted the theft and three other charges.

Sergeant Graeme Eden said Bellis entered the Church of Nativity in Blenheim telling the priest he wanted to change his ways.

While the priest was making him a cup of tea Bellis stole his wallet and used the credit card inside to purchase a ferry ticket to the North Island.

Bellis, who was on parole at the time, also used the card to purchase items while on the ferry.

As one of his parole conditions Bellis was supposed to report regularly to the probation service but had not done so since last November.

- NZPA