A disgraced former vicar who stole nearly £6,000 from church funds sent a series of abusive, drunken texts to the Bishop of Blackburn, telling him to “go to hell,” a court heard.

Father Matthew McMurray, who once led St James’ Church in Lostock Hall and St Paul’s in Farington Moss, admitted to stealing funeral funds belonging to the Blackburn Diocesan Board between August 2021 and December 2023.

The court was told McMurray struggled with alcohol misuse and mental health problems, which are now being addressed. He resigned from his post in March.

McMurray was given an order to quit alcohol and ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service.

McMurray broke his bail conditions by contacting the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North in March, sending him a series of threatening and offensive messages.

Among the messages read aloud in court was one warning the bishop: “You and I need to have a face-to-face and it will not be pleasant,” and another wishing for him to be sexually abused by “demons.” One message also contained threats of self-harm.

McMurray’s solicitor, John Lee, acknowledged that his client’s messages “constitute an offence” and explained that the former vicar had been “suffering from alcohol misuse and mental health issues” at the time.

Lee added that McMurray accepted his actions were foolish and that he felt “let down by the Church.”

“At the end of his employment it has all gone horribly wrong. He has admitted it at the earliest opportunity. He has lost his career and roof over his head.”

The solicitor stated that McMurray is cooperating with the diocese and repaid the stolen funds.

District judge Richard Thompson sentenced McMurray to three months in prison for theft and two months for harassment, with both sentences suspended for five months.

He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work, wear an alcohol-monitoring device for 90 days, and has been banned from drinking during that time.

McMurray was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Blackburn said today: "We are shocked by the crimes for which Matthew McMurray has been convicted. His conduct constitutes a serious breach of the trust that is placed in our clergy.

"This case has caused distress to many people. We are grateful to Lancashire Police for the sensitive and efficient way in which it has been handled throughout.

"Pastoral support is being offered to his former parishes at what has been a very difficult time for them."