A man who pulled down his trousers in Exeter cathedral before climbing on to the altar, breaking a crucifix and punching a 70-year-old woman in the face has been sent to prison.

Nicholas Courtney, 35, told Exeter crown court he went into the cathedral to pray, but was overcome by the urge to "give everything to God". The court heard he then put £20 in a donation box, exposed his buttocks to visitors and went on the rampage.

After climbing on the altar, he hit an onlooker who reprimanded him, becoming angry when she hit him back. Then he targeted a 70-year-old woman who was facing a course of chemotherapy, causing her to fall and break her wrist. On fleeing the cathedral, he was pinned down by members of the public.

Courtney admitted causing criminal damage and inflicting grievous bodily harm, and was jailed for 26 months.