Irish coffee put priest over limit

A priest was today banned from driving for being almost four times over the drink drive limit on Christmas Day.

Father Colin Murphy, 56, who pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen, was spotted driving erratically from a friend's house.

His lawyer said he had not realised how drunk he was because an after-dinner Irish coffee had been stronger than he thought.

Bromley Magistrates Court heard that Father Murphy was arrested at St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in

Chislehurst, Kent, following a 999 call by a member of the public who said he was "all over the road".

A roadside breath test showed Father Murphy was almost four times over the limit. But when he got to Bromley police station he was unable to provide a specimen.

Father Murphy was banned while reports are drawn up on his case.

He will be sentenced on 17 February.