A priest in Bohuslän has been defrocked since he masturbated in front of several children while shining a flashlight on his genitals, reports Bohusläningen.
The priest himself denies any wrongdoing and claims that his mental health issues, which manifested in "sexual thoughts", are behind the behaviour.
Shortly after the incident, which took place during the summer of 2022, the man was admitted to a psychiatric ward. According to a medical certificate, he was suffering from a severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms.
In February this year, the man was convicted of sexual harassment despite his denial, and was given a conditional sentence, 18,000 kronor in fines, and 28,000 kronor in damages to the victims.
This is not the first time the priest has been involved in something similar. In 2010, the man was stripped of his right to practise as a priest for three years after buying sex.
