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Vicar Filmed While Allegedly 'Smoking Crack Pipe' And 'Watching Pornography'

Vicar Filmed While Allegedly 'Smoking Crack Pipe' And 'Watching Pornography'

The footage reportedly shows Rev Stennett Kirby, 64, as he sits on a sofa, smoking crack and talking about how aroused he is

Paddy Maddison

Paddy Maddison

A Church of England vicar may have landed himself in some hot water after footage emerged which is reported to show him smoking a crack pipe, snorting cocaine, watching porn and discussing hiring a prostitute with a friend.

Rev Stennett Kirby, 64, can be seen sitting on a sofa, smoking crack and talking about how aroused he is as he watches porn on the TV, the Sun on Sunday reports.

West Ham Parish Church

Mr Kirby is the vicar of West Ham Parish Church in Stratford and has held the position since 2007.

At one point, he seems to be watching pornography and says: "All I want now is for a woman to be sucking my dick. That would be nice.

"How much would a woman cost to come here? In other words, if I really want it then I will pay for it."

Later on in the video, he can be heard saying: "I'm going to Soho with my mate for dinner. I'm going to sex shops to get some poppers."

Rev Stephen Chandler, an associate minister at the church, spoke to the congregation this morning in light of the video being released.

Google

He said: "By now many of you may have heard of an article which has appeared online today concerning your vicar, the Revd Stennett Kirby," reports MailOnline.

"I am trying to support Stennett pastorally at this demanding time for him and he is very much in my prayers and Bishop Stephen's [of Chelmsford], as are you all here at All Saints.

"The article contains serious allegations with regard to drug taking and other matters of an ethical nature."

Bishop of Barking, Peter Hill, added: "Bishop Stephen and I are most grateful to the Rev Stephen Chandler for steadying the ship so ably, as he has been doing so recently.

"Please support him as he seeks support from you."

The Church of England said it was investigating the claims and said it was taking the matter seriously.

The incident has echoes of the case of Paul Flowers, a politician and former minister who was disgraced when footage emerged of him bingeing on drugs before falling asleep with crisps balanced on his nipples.

Nicknamed 'the Crystal Methodist' by the press, Flowers was filmed snorting lines as he entertained four naked rent boys at a bizarre hot-tub party in his back garden.

A church spokesman at the time said: "We are very disappointed by these new allegations and the disciplinary panel will now review how we progress the matter."

Featured Image Credit: West Ham Parish Church / PA

Topics: UK News, Drugs