A CLERGYMAN has been disqualified from driving for three years after pleading guilty to drink driving.

The Rev John Streeting, the former Area Dean of Sittingbourne who is vicar of Sheerness, may have that reduced if he completes a rehabilitation course.

Streeting, from High Street, Sheerness, was arrested by police in Marine Parade, Sheerness, at 4.48pm on December 8. He had 54mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath when his Citroen Xsara car was stopped by police. The legal limit is 35mg.

He was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £45 costs by magistrates at Sittingbourne.

The Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Venner, said he was aware of the conviction.

The Bishop of Maidstone, the Rt Revd Graham Cray, attended and spoke at the hearing.

The Rt Revd Venner said: “This is a serious offence and the ban on John reflects this.

“As a diocese we will now be doing all we can to help John. He is a man of many God-given talents and we would want to see him overcome the difficulties that have led to his conviction, and move forward in his life. We shall be working with him to this end."