Bishop’s episcopal rings were stolen by burglar who posed as estate agent to get into his flat 

A bishop’s episcopal rings were stolen by a burglar who posed as an estate agent to gain entry to his flat.

The Right Reverend Christopher Lowson was away from his £1million home next to Westminster Cathedral when serial burglar Costas Michael entered, a court heard.

Michael had earlier pretended to be an estate agent to get hold of keys for the apartment block.

He took the two rings – traditionally given to bishops when they are consecrated – from Rt Rev Lowson’s desk drawer. He also stole a watch, two credit cards and another ring from a neighbouring flat.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, the 40-year-old convicted thief admitted stealing £7,300 worth of valuables during the two raids.

At the time of the burglaries in October last year the British Cypriot had absconded from open prison where he was serving a 44-month sentence. Rt Rev Lowson, 68, who was appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 2011, was not named as a victim but confirmed his rings were taken.

The married father of two, pictured, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Like anyone who has been burgled there is obviously some distress that your home has been violated in this way.

‘In this instance I can only thank the police for their careful and assiduous work in tracking down the alleged burglar and keeping us informed at every step in the process.’

Bishop Lowson said his rings had been replaced with help from his local jeweller.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said Michael ‘has numerous offences on his record for domestic burglaries’. He has reportedly also claimed to be a maintenance man to burgle properties. Michael will be sentenced on June 18.