You’d think it was a deleted scene from Trainspotting, but no – it’s the real-life tale of Fr Stephen Crossan, a Catholic priest who was filmed snorting what looked suspiciously like cocaine through a crisp £10 note. Classy.
The incident allegedly went down during a night of boozing back in July 2015, right in the parish house at Banbridge, County Down.
Just to spice things up, the room was decked out with Nazi memorabilia.
Yes, that kind of memorabilia. Flags, hats, even an eagle perched on a swastika-adorned plinth.
You can’t make this stuff up.
The BBC has the damning footage to watch, because you have to see it to believe it.
In the footage, Fr Crossan reportedly mutters “I shouldn’t” before helping himself to a line. No lies detected there. The Sun on Sunday was the first to blow the story wide open (pun intended).
Fr Crossan has since taken a break from priestly duties, because nothing says “man of God” like coke and fascist décor. The priest did fess up, telling the paper: “It was just the one night and that was it.” Right.
A source told the Sun that the party continued at Fr Crossan’s after some guests migrated from another gathering, where they were greeted by the questionable décor and, evidently, an even more questionable afterparty.
In his defence, Fr Crossan insisted he’s no Nazi fanboy: he’s just into collecting “historical items from every country.” When you’re that into history, I guess it is fine to throw a Hitler hat on your mantelpiece next to the rosary.
At the time of the video, he said he was off sick with depression. He has since left the Church but claims the parish still has his back.
Meanwhile, the PSNI isn’t exactly ignoring the situation. A spokesperson said: “Police are aware of the article in a Sunday newspaper and are making inquiries.” Yep, someone’s going to be answering a few awkward questions.
Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey issued a rather priestly statement, saying he didn’t know anything about the incident, but confirmed Fr Crossan had already taken leave from Seapatrick parish in May 2015.
The bishop added that the priest had been receiving counselling and pondering his next move.
By February 2016, Fr Crossan had asked for an extended leave of absence.
Bishop McAreavey said he was “concerned for the priest’s health.”
As for the parochial house?
Fr Crossan is no longer living there.
Probably for the best – too many ghosts, too many flags, and far too much press.