Father Murphy said he had not realised how strong the drink was

Father Colin Murphy, 56, was spotted driving erratically after leaving a friend's house in south east London.

He was arrested at St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Chislehurst, where he was based, and a breath test showed he was four times over the legal limit.

Father Murphy was banned from driving for 18 months on Friday and the Church is said to be considering his future.

'Currently without income'

His solicitor Fiona Dunkley told Bromley Magistrates Father Murphy had not realised how drunk he was because an after-dinner Irish coffee had been much stronger than he thought.

Since the arrest, he has been receiving treatment for stress and has been unable to work.

"His health has been badly affected and he is currently without income," she told the court.

Chairmen of the bench Christopher Hillier said magistrates had taken into account his "previous good behaviour and immediate guilty plea".

Father Murphy was ordered to pay �55 costs and complete a community rehabilitation programme.