A Lincoln vicar is facing the removal of his holy orders after an alcohol-fuelled driving spree that saw him crash the Bishop of Lincoln's official vehicle into a parked car belonging to the partner of a Radio 4 soap star.
The Chaotic Evening Unfolds
Father Sion Hughes Carew, 40, had been drinking with Bishop Stephen Conway at the bishop's palace on a Friday evening last month. The pair had developed a friendship after Bishop Conway gave Father Hughes Carew his first church appointment in February.
The jovial gathering took a dramatic turn when the intoxicated vicar decided to drive the bishop's year-old Kia Sportage, valued at approximately £50,000. Witnesses reported he may have been driving barefoot during the incident that occurred around 11pm.
Just half a mile from Lincoln Cathedral and a mere five-minute walk from his own vicarage, Father Hughes Carew's driving caught up with him. The Kia collided with a parked Skoda Octavia not once, but twice, according to police reports.
Multiple Collisions and Public Arrest
The vicar's disastrous journey continued as he attempted to drive up a steep hill nearby. After apparently stalling the vehicle, he reversed into a garden wall and railings, causing significant damage.
The commotion brought residents rushing from their homes to witness the unfolding drama. Father Hughes Carew was arrested in full view of his parishioners, creating a deeply embarrassing scene for the local clergy.
The crashed Skoda Octavia, valued at £2,000 and belonging to 78-year-old Brian Meagher, was completely written off in the incident. Mr Meagher is the long-term partner of actress Heather Bell, famous for playing Clarrie Grundy on BBC Radio 4's The Archers since 1979.
Court Proceedings and Disciplinary Action
At Lincoln Magistrates' Court on October 30, Father Hughes Carew admitted driving while almost three times the legal alcohol limit. The court handed down a two-year driving ban, which could be reduced to six months if he completes a safe-driving course.
He received a £873 fine plus £349 surcharge and £85 costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,307.
Meanwhile, parishioners at Father Hughes Carew's churches - All Saints' Lincoln and St Mary-le-Wigford - have been told their vicar is ill, when in reality he faces serious disciplinary proceedings that could see him defrocked.
The Diocese of Lincoln confirmed that a formal disciplinary process is underway for Reverend Sion Hughes Carew. A spokesman stated: "The Bishop of Lincoln had no knowledge of the car being taken and did not give permission."
This incident raises further questions about Bishop Conway's judgment, coming after his criticism in the Makin Review for failures in handling abuse allegations against lay preacher John Smyth during his previous role as Bishop of Ely.
The 81-year-old actress Heather Bell has maintained a sense of humour about the situation, quipping: "It's the story of the actress and the bishop!" However, her partner Brian Meagher expressed stronger feelings, stating: "I would say it's no way for a vicar to behave, but it's no way for anyone to behave."
