A man has pleaded guilty after a hand-carved wooden eagle was stolen from a Devon church.
The wooden lectern sculpture was sawn from its pedestal and taken from St Paul's Church in Yelverton in May 2025, police said.
Thomas Brumby, 49, was later arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. He pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on 22nd July and is due to be sentenced on 11th September.
Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police
The vicar of St Paul's, Rev Andrew Thomas, told the BBC at the time that the theft had been "deeply sad and upsetting".
"I was deeply sad that someone thought this act of violence and entitlement was something that was ok to do," he added. "We work very hard here at St Paul's Yelverton to make the churches as inclusive and welcoming and open as we possibly can. So, the fact someone thought this was a great thing for them to do, to come in and do this, was deeply, deeply sad and really quite upsetting."
Following Brumby's guilty plea, Sgt Tom Ottley, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "We're pleased that the efforts of the neighbourhood policing team in Tavistock have led to a charge and that the eagle has been rightfully returned to St Paul's Church.
"I would like to thank the people of Yelverton for their support - this wouldn't have been possible without the information they provided to us.
"I hope that this outcome offers reassurance to the local community and sends a clear message that criminal activity that threatens our valuable history will not be tolerated."
