C of E tribunal slams behaviour of Manx priest

Hearing into dispute backs Bishop Robert

A Church of England disciplinary tribunal has strongly criticised the behaviour of a Manx Anglican priest.

The hearing in Douglas has concluded Dr Jules Gomes had an over-inflated view of his self-importance, lost his temper and displayed anger - even with those who supported him.

The tribunal, held over three days in the Island last week, found that Dr Gomes had caused serious harm to people, making them leave their offices or his church.

He doesn't accept the church's jurisdiction over him since resigning earlier this year, and wasn't present for the short announcement at St Ninian's Church, where a summary of the tribunal's findings was read out by its chairman, Geoffrey Tattersall QC.

Bishop Robert Patterson said the whole affair has taken him "to hell and back":