Police were sent to restore peace on Earth after a man disrupted a midnight mass service at a church in Hove.
One of the officers was assaulted and a 62-year-old man was arrested and, in the spirit of the season, was freed after confessing his sins and doing penance.
Sussex Police said yesterday (Wednesday 25 December) that officers were called to St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, in Portland Road, Hove, shortly after midnight.
The force said: “We have arrested a man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker following a disturbance at a church service.
“Police were called to St Peter’s Church shortly after midnight to reports of a man disrupting the service.
“A 62-year-old man, from Hove, was arrested at the scene and has since been dealt with by way of an out of court community resolution.
“Following engagement with a number of individuals at the service, the incident is not believed to have been religiously aggravated and no reports of violence were received.”
Good to see your making light of an assault on an emergency worker. I’m sure the worker concerned will be thrilled with your reporting.
Get a sense of humour, and a sense of perspective. It was obviously not so serious as to require taking to court.
It unfortunately happens often enough that we do tend to make light of it. All the services have quite a morbid sense of humour. Comes with the territory.
This is awful reporting! I’d expect to read something like this on a Christmas cracker joke slip or on X but not in the local news! Quite insulting to religion and emergency workers who worked hard over Christmas facing danger! But I guess that’s why the reporter here isn’t a “journalist” working for The Times! Shame on Frank Le Duc (if that’s your real name even!)
Bloody idiot of a reporter, like the Fool is a sun or daily star reject,
Wonder if there would be so many Dad jokes if it happened at a mosque or synagogue.
Seems every life style is protected these days except christianity.
Too many humourless people commenting on here!
What’s funny about taking the p*** out of religion and emergency workers. It’s truly offensive (especially over Christmas). Take it you had a good Christmas tucked up safely with all your family!
I agree. “Assault” also consists of using bad words, and considering the average 62-year old, and the fact he was released, I suspect the officer in question wasn’t in any particular danger.
It’s hard to explain to outsiders looking in, but that kind of basic behaviour would barely qualify as a notable event during the day-to-day.
Causing a disturbance at a church and assaulting a police officer is disgraceful behaviour. They should not have been let off. It sets a bad precedent. Hope they at least got a caution so if they do it again it is on their record.
I think the police were in a better position to deal with the situation than us.
Doubt it
Lighten Up! as JC would have said