Man targets churches in Hampshire with occult symbols
According to a report from 3 August 2026, a 48-year-old man found guilty of aggravated religious harassment after targeting several churches in the New Forest area of Hampshire, leaving animal remains with occult symbols at or inside places of worship, and in front of places of devotion between February and August 2025. The offences greatly disturbed the church communities.
According to reports from 3 August 2026, between February and August 2025, the arrested man, Benjamin Lewis, targeted several churches in the New Forest area of Hampshire, leaving animal remains at or inside places of worship. The 48-year-old man reportedly had a fascination with vampires, and would leave animal carcasses, including lambs and deer, in front of churches, once beneath a statue of the Virgin Mary, and another incident where a lamb was placed in a church pulpit. Often, Lewis would leave the animal carcasses with occult messaging and symbols, including tarot cards and inverted crosses.
The court heard that the incidents caused distress among members of the affected congregations, the report states "We have people who were so upset and frightened by it, they could not go to church." The prosecution described the conduct as causing fear within the local church communities.
According to the reports, Lewis had previously been convicted in 2003 of religious harassment involving a vicar and his family. He pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated intentional harassment and two counts of theft. On 3 August 2026, Southampton Crown Court imposed a hospital order with restrictions, following psychiatric evidence concerning his mental health.
Sources: bbc, cnnportugal, theguardian
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