A Church of England vicar shouted: 'I'm from the Vatican, you're ******' as he lashed out at police following a nightclub vodka binge.First, these are my colleagues, folks.
Parish priest Gareth Jones, 36, screamed: 'I have diplomatic immunity' as he punched, kicked, bit and spat at a police officer and a paramedic who found him passed out in his clerical frock in Covent Garden, central London.
When paramedic Ian Pollock gently shook the passed-out pastor at 2.30am to check he was alright, he awoke and growled....
Jones threatened to attack Mr Pollock but was unable to stand up due to his inebriated state.
He had downed three bottles of wine, several pints of beer, a number of gin and tonics and a large quantity of vodka.
Second, I have to admire his style. He certainly has a command of the common patois, at least while disadvantaged by drink.
Third, I've seen American clergy drink more and then celebrate a Eucharist.
Fourth, don't get upset with me for making light of this. He is part of a church with a solid structure in place for treating addictive issues among clergy so I'm confident he will receive appropriate help. We are, after all, a community dedicated to reconciliation.
Five, he didn't hurt anyone but himself. Besides, every man should take a swing at a cop at least once in his life. Or a military officer; preferably one's own.