The statement continued: “I feel that I have let Fr Peter down because I was responsible for ensuring his wishes were carried out, and I have been unable to ensure that he was buried with his priestly ring as he intended.
“What has happened has caused significant upset to me, many priests and others who knew him. Fr Peter did not deserve such a betrayal.”
Michael Livesey, company director of B Livesey Funeral Directors, said: “In my many years in this profession, I have never, ever experienced anything like this. It has been deeply upsetting for myself and the rest of the team.
“The most difficult part for me is that the rings hold such a sentimental value and can’t be replaced. No monetary value can compensate the heartache caused to those involved.
“However, I hope people will recognise that I reported the matter to the police immediately and I have fully supported their investigation from the outset and throughout.”