Ananova:

A Romanian priest has been fined and could be defrocked after he was caught playing poker in a pub.

Vasile Mihaila, 40, parish priest for Negoesti village in Gorj county, was caught in the act by police during a routine search.

The priest and other two men were each fined £200 for gambling illegally in an unauthorised place.

A police spokesman told Gazeta de Sud: "There were nine men at the table playing poker but only three of them had money in front of their seats. I was stoned when I heard one of them was a priest."

Orthodox church officials said they have opened their own investigation but add the priest could be defrocked for "activities incompatible with the service of a clergyman".