Man jailed for defacing Leyland gravestones with 'hateful' graffiti
Joseph Williams, 31, was sentenced to eight months in prison
A man who vandalised two churches and more than 20 gravestones in Leyland earlier this year has been jailed for his “disrespectful and hateful” actions.
Joseph Williams, 31, was sentenced to eight months in prison at Preston Crown Court on 5 November 2025, after admitting two counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage and eight counts of criminal damage.
In April, Williams used spray paint to deface gravestones at St James’s Church with lewd images and derogatory comments about God.
He also damaged a window at St Mary’s Church and spray-painted several cars and property gates in the area with similar graffiti.
Police arrested Williams on 27 April 2025 after he smashed a church window and was stopped nearby carrying a hammer and two bottles of petrol.
A search of his home uncovered multiple cans of spray paint.
"There is no place for hate in our society"
Clare Byers, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Joseph Williams deliberately targeted churches in his local area which has shocked and saddened the local community.
"He gave no thought to those that worship at the churches or the families of those laid to rest there.
"I hope those affected can feel some sense of justice knowing Williams will face the consequences of his disrespectful, hateful actions.
"There is no place for hate in our society.”
In a victim personal statement, the Reverend from St James’s Church described his shock and heartbreak at seeing a sacred place of worship desecrated, especially on Good Friday.
He said he had spent nights patrolling the churchyard afterwards to prevent further damage, but expressed gratitude to the community, local workmen, and the council for helping to restore the site in time for Easter services and a wedding.
The Parish Priest at St Mary’s Church also told the court he was emotionally and spiritually distressed by the vandalism, describing the incident as deeply unsettling for his parish community.
Williams’ sentence comes as police and prosecutors reaffirm their stance that hate crimes targeting places of worship will not be tolerated.