A 22-year-old man has appeared in court over a break-in at a church after being reported to police by his mother.
A district judge heard that damage caused to Christ Church in Derry could cost as much as £100,000.
James Anthony Kennedy, of Glenside Park in the city, is charged with entering as a trespasser and stealing a crystal decanter, a reader's robe, communion wine and an organist's surplice.
He is also accused of criminal damage to a stained glass window, an organ, a Bible and a boiler room.
A police officer opposed bail today.
Derry Magistrate's Court was told that on September 12 a member of the congregation discovered the burglary at the Church of Ireland building on Infirmary Road, near St Eugene's Catholic Cathedral.
A boiler house had been entered and the court heard that the perpetrators had defecated on the floor.
They also used a chair to climb up and break a 19th century stained glass window.
An organ that had been donated to the Church was damaged and it is estimated the repairs will cost £50,000.
The damage to the window was put at £10,000 and the overall repair bill cold be between £75,000 and £100,000.
A police officer said the crystal decanter that was taken may have had a value but was priceless to the congregation having been donated by a family in memory of their daughter.
CCTV footage from nearby Brooke Park was viewed and two men were seen in the vicinity and then appearing to climb a fence at the rear of the church.
The court heard that after police released images of two men on Facebook this week, Kennedy's mother contacted them identifying her son.
At interview he said it may be him on CCTV but denied being in the church.
He also made no comment to some of the allegations put to him.
In response to defence solicitor Paddy McGurk, the officer said Kennedy had co-operated "to a point".
Mr McGurk said his client had expressed his "revulsion" at this incident and there was no suggestion he is sectarian.
He added that Kennedy's mother was married to a member of the Protestant faith.
District Judge Barney McElholm said there seemed to be evidence putting Kennedy at the scene.
He said if there was evidence of sectarianism it was "absolutely outrageous and rightfully would be punished severely".
But he added that no matter how outrageous, there was a presumption of innocence and released Kennedy on bail.
He was freed on his own bail of £500 and one surety of £750 with the condition he does not contact witnesses or any co-accused.
He is also not to go within 200 metres of Brooke Park or Christ Church.
Kennedy will appear again on November 2.
