A homeless man seriously injured himself when he broke into a church to find somewhere to sleep for the night.

Raymond Woods caused £1,000 damage when he smashed his way into Huddersfield Community Church in Paddock.

His solicitor told Kirklees Magistrates’ Court that the 59-year-old could have bled to death after cutting his hand on the glass as he climbed in.

Woods, of Bradford Road, Fixby, appeared in custody over the offence of criminal damage.

Prosecutor Jill Seddon said that the door of the Market Street community centre and place of worship was attacked by Woods on January 12.

She said: “A witness living opposite the church heard some banging, looked out and saw a male striking the glass doorway.

“The glass panel had gone through and the male went inside the church.”

He was only charged with criminal damage when he explained to police that he was trying to find somewhere to sleep.

Wood, who broke the glass with a stone, said: “I climbed into the hall, I just wanted somewhere to go to sleep. I don’t make a habit of it.”

The court heard that Woods has two Asbos in place against him, one made in Calderdale and the other operating in an area down south.

These five-year orders were made for his anti-social drinking and begging and Woods has breached these numerous times.

Jonathan Slawinski, mitigating, described Woods as not very well and suffering from a sepsis infection in his leg.

He told the court that the offence reflected his client’s “itinerant lifestyle.”

Mr Slawinski added: “This offence was committed when he had just returned from hospital, he was disorientated and found himself in the Paddock area.

“He didn’t have anywhere else to sleep and very sadly caused the damage.

“Mr Woods badly damaged his hand and could have bled to death because he was under the influence at the time.”

District Judge David Scanlon ordered Woods to pay £400 contribution towards fixing the door.

He added: “Everybody that attends that church is getting something from it and don’t go smashing their way into places.”