Vicar denies trying to kiss tourist chief

A vicar who was sacked because of claims of sexual harassment faced allegations yesterday that he made a passionate pass at the chief executive of the local tourist board and "mesmerised" a parishioner with his legs.

The Rev Harry Brown, appearing at a rarely convened ecclesiastical court before the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev David Hope, also heard accusations that he tried to kiss and hug parishioners while priest-in-charge of Crosscrake and Preston Patrick, near Kendal, Cumbria.

Mr Brown, who is appealing against the revocation of his licence, allegedly tried to "French kiss" Christine Collier, the chief executive of the Cumbria Tourist Board.

His lawyer, Michael Johnson, asked him if he recalled trying to kiss Mrs Collier in July 1996 at her home after she announced she had been given the job as head of the tourist board. "I gave her a hug and then she went out to make a cup of tea," he told the hearing.

Mr Johnson said it had been alleged that Mr Browntried to kiss Mrs Collier "passionately" and tried to "put your tongue in her mouth".

"It didn't happen," said Mr Brown, who also denied following Mrs Collier to a bathroom and trying to kiss her.

Jean Proud, a parishioner, claimed she was "mesmerised" by Mr Brown's legs as he pressed against her on a sofa in the vicarage. Mr Brown said: "I remember the occasion but I don't remember her being mesmerised by my legs. I'm 6ft 3in with long legs, the couch was small."

Mr Brown's licence was revoked last September because of allegations of sexual harassment, intimidating behaviour, mental abuse and financial irregularities.

His appeal was told Mr Brown allegedly hugged and tried to kiss Pauline Kelly, a parishioner, as he sat on a couch with her. He denied it, adding: "I may have given her a hug as I left, as I do with lots of people, but I certainly did not have it in my mind to kiss her." The case continues.