‘I’m from the Vatican, you’re ******’ Vicar’s street fight with police
A CHURCH of England vicar shouted, “I’m from the Vatican, you’re ******” as he brawled with police after a nightclub binge, a court heard yesterday.
Parish priest Gareth Jones punched, kicked, bit and spat at a police officer
Parish priest Gareth Jones, 36, yelled, “I have diplomatic immunity” as he punched, kicked, bit and spat at a police officer and a paramedic who found him passed out drunk in his clerical frock.
The married father of one, who serves at St Mary The Virgin in Great Ilford, north-east London, was ordered by a judge to pay more than £1,200 in fines and compensation.
Highbury magistrates in north London heard he told police he had been drinking at El Vino bar and The George pub on Fleet Street before heading to a nightclub in Soho, adding: “I am utterly ashamed and sorry for any harm that I have caused.”
The vicar said he was ‘utterly ashamed’ of his behaviour
Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating
I am utterly ashamed
Yesterday Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating.
The court heard that Jones has previous convictions for communicating a false bomb hoax, affray, possession of cannabis, fraud, criminal damage and driving matters.
Jones will now have to face an ecclesiastical court, which may impose a lifetime ban on him serving the church after his conviction.
District Judge Robin McPhee told him to pay £700 fines
District Judge Robin McPhee told him to pay £700 fines, £200 compensation to policeman Andrew Fletcher and £200 compensation to paramedic Ian Pollock.
He was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £35 victim surcharge.
Jones is said to be seeking help with his alcoholism.