A man who dumped animal carcasses outside churches in the New Forest has admitted to harassing Christians.

Benjamin Lewis, 47, of Totton, Southampton, pleaded guilty to five counts of religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm, or distress. He also admitted to two counts of theft of lambs.

The court heard that he intended to “cause hostility” toward Christians after leaving dead lambs and deer outside churches.

Carcasses were discovered between February and April this year, including outside St. Peter’s Church in Bramshaw, Christ’s Church in Colbury, Christ Church in Emery Down, and St. Theresa’s in Totton. Details of Lewis’s actions were not discussed in court.

Lewis appeared at Southampton Crown Court and spoke only to confirm his name and address. He was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing in February 2026.