Fr Vaughan Hook planned to abstain from drinking alcohol after being caught drink-driving for the second time. PHOTO: STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER A Dunedin priest and school chaplain has been suspended from public roles after drink-driving at nearly four times the legal limit. On May 2, Fr Vaughan William Hook, 53, was seen weaving along Ravensbourne Rd, crossing the centre line. Police told the Otago Daily Times the Catholic clergyman had a novel explanation. Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman said the driver, who gave a blood alcohol reading of 197mg, told officers he had been consuming altar wine, which should not count because it was "the blood of Christ". Hook — who had a previous drink-driving conviction from 2008 — appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday 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. The Bishop of Dunedin, the Most Rev Michael Dooley, said Hook was suspended from public ministry and from his job as chaplain at Trinity Catholic College as soon as the diocese were told of the charge. A review would now occur and a plan put in place to continue to best support the priest, Bishop Dooley said. Counsel Deborah Henderson told the court 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," 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 Hook had strong support in place to overcome his alcohol demons, but remarked on the "very high reading" from the blood-alcohol test. "I’m sure you appreciate you certainly weren’t safe behind the wheel and your driving clearly demonstrated that," she said. "You’re incredibly lucky you didn’t hurt anybody on this occasion." Outside court, Hook — known by churchgoers for his rousing homilies — said it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on his situation and instead deferred to the bishop. "I think it’s one of those things that everyone’s disappointed about, but hopefully there’ll be something positive comes out of it," Bishop Dooley said. rob.kidd@odt.co.nz
