Priest in Northern Ireland caught snorting cocaine in a room of Nazi memorabilia

The cleric has since taken extended leave from the priesthood.

A Catholic priest in Northern Ireland has taken leave from the priesthood after being filmed snorting cocaine in his parochial house in County Down.

Fr. Stephen Crossan was in a room containing Nazi memorabilia on a night of drinking last July, and is believed to have snorted cocaine through a rolled up £10 note after a party.

The Sun on Sunday claims it took place in the parochial house on the grounds of St Patrick's Church, Banbridge, with Fr. Crossan telling the newspaper, "It was just the one night and that was it."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6QPiIbUGAU

Nazi memorabilia in the room included flags, hats and an eagle with a swastika on a plinth on his mantelpiece.

Fr. Crossan insisted that he is not a supporter of Nazism and that he collected historical items from every country.

He was on leave with depression at the time of the party, having been given leave in May 2015. Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey said he was concerned for the priest's health, and that he had asked for extended leave from the priesthood.