Jailed vicar's future in doubt

Daggett's solicitor will appeal against the sentence

A Church of England cleric has expressed shock at the jailing of a Greater Manchester vicar who kept a loaded gun at his home.

The Reverend Michael Daggett, 53, has been jailed for four months for illegal possession of a firearm.

He told police he kept the gun after disturbing an intruder in his home nine years ago.

However, the jail sentence also means Daggett's future in the church is now unclear.

The Venerable Alan Wolstencroft, Archdeacon of Manchester, said: "We were somewhat shocked by the nature of the custodial sentence, given the circumstances of this case, including his American upbringing and previous good character."

Dagget became a vicar in Swinton in 1990

Police found the Derringer .22 pistol when they went to the vicarage, at the Church of the Holy Rood, Swinton, about another matter.

American-born Daggett, who has lived in Britain since 1984, pleaded guilty at Salford Magistrates' Court to possessing the gun.

Mr Wolstencroft said: "We take very seriously the offences and the judgment that has been made by the court.

"The Reverend Daggett's future in the church is now a matter for the Bishop of Manchester in consultation with the Archbishop of York.

"They will discuss the case following the appeal to the crown court."