Banned of God
Rev faces CofE sacking after conviction for drink-driving
A RECTOR could be sacked by the Church of England after he had his dog collar felt by the police for drink driving.
Reverend Nick Evans was handed a 16-month ban by magistrates after he drove home from a restaurant at more than twice the legal limit.
Police, believed to have been tipped off by a member of the public, arrested the cleric at his home.
His breath test reading was 78mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg of alcohol.
It is understood the Rev first claimed he’d had a drink after he got back to his place in Newport Pagnell, Bucks – but officers found alcohol listed on his restaurant bill.
The Rector, 59, of Newport Pagnell with Lathbury & Moulsoe pleaded guilty at High Wycombe Magistrates Court and was last week handed a £1,605 fine along with the driving ban.
But he may now get the good book thrown at him by his church. A spokesman for his diocese said: “The news of Rev Evans’ conviction is an extremely serious matter.
“Our clergy are called to an exemplary standard of moral behaviour.
“There can be no separation between the public and home life of ministers and there can be no excuse for his actions.
“Drink driving knowingly puts others at risk and it will not be tolerated by the Diocese of Oxford under any circumstances.
“The diocese is investigating the matter under its own disciplinary framework.”
Four-times married Rev Evans has apologised. He told the Sunday Mirror: “It is true I was recently convicted of driving over the legal limit for alcohol. I acknowledge my lack of judgement and failure regarding this since church leaders should strive to set an example at all times.
“I am deeply sorry for what has happened.” But this is not the h first f time Rev Evans has found himself in an almighty row.
The Oxford Diocese told the Sunday Mirror a church disciplinary measure was brought against him last year amid claims about his behaviour but the investigation “failed narrowly” to remove the rector from his post.
Rev Evans will no doubt be praying for forgiveness – which is a subject close to his heart. Last year he launched a scheme to help former convicts back into work.
And he has previously told parishioners he is “hopeless” at keeping New Year resolutions.
Writing in 2016, he said: “We all break the rules from time to time, but God’s love for you is a constant given.”
Picture: STAN KUJAWA
Church leaders should strive to set an example at all times. I am deeply sorry
REV NICK EVANS RECTOR OF NEWPORT PAGNELL