A 12-YEAR-OLD has admitted smashing a stained glass window at a York parish church.

North Yorkshire Police said the child had been spoken to in connection with the damage last month to the window at St Thomas’ s Church in Osbaldwick Lane, Osbaldwick.

“A referral has been made to the Youth Offending Panel for them to consider the most appropriate action,” said a force spokeswoman. “This has been done with the victim’s agreement.”

The Press reported on April 25 how the historic window had been smashed with a brick and a stone over Easter, just as the vicar was preparing to retire.

The church dates back to the twelfth century and was restored in 1877-1878 by J. A. Scott of London, the son of architect Sir Gilbert Scott, with stained glass by J. W. Knowles of York.

Local councillor Mark Warters described the attack then as ‘absolutely shocking’, and urged anyone who could help police catch the culprit to contact the force.

He said then: “It’s made even worse that it occurred over the Easter weekend and in vicar Andrew Clements’ last week before he takes a well-earned retirement.”

Cllr Warters said yesterday he had been informed by police that following inquiries by two local officers, they had identified a young person, who had been interviewed and admitted causing the damage.

He thanked The Press for the report and people who came forward with information, adding that it had been ‘good work’ by police and he hoped the culprit was dealt with ‘appropriately’.