The incident occurred on Sunday, July 19, in Czerńczyce, in the Grębocice commune, between Głogów and Polkowice. A 49-year-old parish priest of the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Białołęka was behind the wheel of a Toyota.
The clergyman was driving to celebrate the morning Mass scheduled for 8:00 a.m. According to media reports, his car was moving on the road in a way that attracted the attention of another driver. The witness notified the services, and the priest was stopped near the chapel.
The test showed that the parish priest had nearly two per mille of alcohol in his system. He was taken to the District Police Headquarters in Polkowice, where procedural activities were carried out. The clergyman pleaded guilty and apologized for his behavior and for endangering other road users.
The court issued a judgment under expedited proceedings. Forfeiture of the car
The case was heard by the District Court in Głogów under expedited proceedings. The judgment was issued on July 21.
The court imposed on the driver:
- a PLN 4,000 fine,
- a PLN 5,000 payment to the Fund for Aid to Victims and Post-Penitentiary Assistance,
- a three-year ban on driving all motor vehicles,
- the forfeiture of the Toyota, which he was driving.
The total financial burden therefore amounts to PLN 9,000. The car is to be transferred to the State Treasury.
The judgment is not final. Both the accused and the other party to the proceedings have the right to appeal.
Three years is the minimum driving ban imposed on a person convicted of driving while intoxicated. After half of this period has elapsed, the convicted person may apply to the court for permission to drive vehicles equipped with an alcohol interlock.
Regardless of criminal liability, the clergyman may also face ecclesiastical consequences. Decisions in this matter are the responsibility of the diocesan authorities.
More about the case and the parish priest's statement: https://myglogow.pl/pl/11_dzieje-sie/189422_ksiadz-jechal-po-alkoholu-uslyszal-wyrok-przepraszam.html