Sentencing adjourned for priest who stole from US church

A judge in the US has delayed handing down a sentence to an Irish priest who pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his Florida church.

John Skehan (aged 81) could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.

He admitted embezzling large sums of money from St Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach during his 40 years as a priest there.

Nine witnesses testified that Skehan was a good man.

He apologised, saying he knew he brought shame and embarrassment to the church.

Judge Jeffrey Colbath said he could not reach a decision on sentencing because there was too much to weigh and said he would issue a written sentence next week.