PROSECUTORS will NOT lodge an appeal against a sheriff’s decision not to punish a serial thief — despite his latest raid and an assault on an OAP being branded ‘despicable’.

Christopher Weir tried to prise an alms box containing cash donations from a wall inside St John the Baptist Church in Port Glasgow — then threw a punch at a 65-year-old man who disturbed him.

The Telegraph told last month how Sheriff Rajni Swanney simply admonished Weir, 39, for the offences.

Weir has 15 previous theft convictions and Sheriff Swanney’s ruling sparked anger from Tele readers.

But The Crown Office today confirmed that the procurator fiscal in Greenock has decided not to push for a tougher sentence.

A spokesman told the Telegraph: “We note the decision of the court.

“Following full and careful consideration of all of the facts and circumstances in this case the procurator fiscal instructed that there should be no appeal against sentence.” Weir’s previous convictions for crimes of dishonesty include ones for housebreaking and car theft.

The thug has a violent track record too, having been convicted on five occasions for assault.

At the time of his failed alms box raid he reportedly said that he was ‘just giving the church what it deserves’.

Sheriff Swanney also admonished Weir over two thefts in the Oak Mall and for previously failing appear in court, but he is still due to be sentenced later in the year for the theft of aftershave from a store in Greenock.

The Crown Office has the right to appeal sentences they believe are ‘unduly lenient’.

But the Appeal Court has set a high test to be satisfied before such a challenge will be successful.

Weir was caught during his church raid and wrestled to the ground by pensioner Arthur Higgins.

Despite the panicked thief attempting to punch him, Mr Higgins and others successfully restrained him until police arrived.