A judge yesterday overturned a driving ban on a speeding and foul-mouthed cleric but told him “even God would tell you slow down on that particular road”.

Speeding cleric, Canon Bob Hanna, 68, is to remain on the road in spite of receiving a six-month driving ban only 13 days ago.

A Church leader in Co Clare has apologised for his foul-mouthed outburst towards a garda when stopped for speeding earlier this year.

A priest who described daily Mass-going paedophile, Patrick Barry as a “spiritual man” said yesterday his court testimonial “was not a defence of” the convicted man.

A state counsel yesterday criticised a cleric for coming into court to give character evidence on behalf of a homeless campaigner convicted of stealing €26,852 from an 88-year-old care home patient.