Priest suspended from ministry after drink-driving charge

Fr Vaughan Hook appeared in the Dunedin District Court on June 19, where he was fined $500 and ordered to pay $413 in costs. He was banned from driving for 28 days, after which he would be subject to the alcohol-interlock licensing provisions.

On May 2, Fr Hook, 53, had been seen weaving along Ravensbourne Rd, crossing the centre line.

Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley said Fr Hook was suspended from public ministry and from his role as chaplain at Trinity Catholic College after the diocese were told of the charge.

A review would now happen and a plan be put in place to continue to best support the priest, Bishop Dooley said.

Counsel Deborah Henderson told the court Fr Hook did not drink very often, but had been going through a ‘‘difficult time’’ on the night in question.

‘‘Since the incident, he’s been reaching out to supports and part of that is going to Alcoholics Anonymous,’’ she said.

Mrs Henderson said her client had not consumed alcohol since the incident and planned to remain abstinent.

Community magistrate Sally O’Brien accepted Fr Hook had strong support in place to overcome his alcohol demons, but remarked on the ‘‘very high reading’’ from the blood-alcohol test, and said he was lucky he didn’t hurt anyone.

On May 2, Fr Hook gave a blood alcohol reading of 197mg/100ml, nearly four times the legal limit. He had previously been convicted of drink-driving in 2008.

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‘Blood of Christ’ excuse fails priest (By Rob Kidd/Otago Daily Times – registration required)