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A man has been arrested amid claims he tried to drunkenly dig up his dead dad's grave - so he could argue with him.

Michael Dale May was found by police in the Pilot Baptist Church cemetery in Stanford, Kentucky, US, on Monday night.

Lincoln County Constable Delbert Mitchell said he went to investigate after spotting a truck parked outside the church.

The sheriff's deputy, who knows May, told local news station LEX 18 that he called out to the 44-year-old, who told him that he was trying to dig up his late father.

Constable suggested May, who appeared to be "under the influence" was eager to finish an argument with his dad.

He said: "He told me he was trying to dig his dad up, so his dad could go to heaven."

(Image: Google Maps)

May reportedly told authorities that he dad died around 30 years ago.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with violating a grave, public intoxication and possession of cannabis.

Speaking to LEX 18 from his Lincoln County jail cell, he insisted he done "nothing wrong", adding: "I see the truth. He needs to be on the ground, not under it."

Asked if he would try to dig up his dad's grave again, he said: "It's a possibility. If the truth doesn't come out and nobody sees the truth, yeah I'll do it again."

The cemetery's registry indicates that 13 people called May are buried there.

Willis Green May died on November 23 1983, although it is unclear whether or not he was the man's father.

Yesterday afternoon, May was still in jail, according to records.