PARISHIONERS are supporting disgraced vicar the Rev Geoff Hewitt, despite the revelation that he was forced to leave his former parish after admitting sexually harassing female colleagues.

Mr Hewitt took up the reins as rector of the Benefice of Draycott, which includes All Saints' Church, in Christian Malford, seven months ago.

But no mention was made to parishioners that he was sacked as honorary canon of Bangor Cathedral, in North Wales, and later resigned as the priest of St Cedol Parish Church in Pentir, Bangor, after admitting sexually harassing two female colleagues.

It is alleged he also harassed a third woman.

Mr Hewitt assaulted the priest-in-charge of St Cyngar's Church, in Llangenfni, in Anglesey, Dr Tanya Jenkins at her home after the pair had attended a funeral, in February 2000.

Dr Jenkins, 37, invited Mr Hewitt into the vicarage for a cup of tea, but once inside he embraced her and forced his tongue into her throat, but she managed to push him off.

The 54-year-old father of four, is accused of doing the same to a young female worker in a similar incident at the Bangor diocesan office.

He was also said to have made lewd remarks to a lay church worker and married mother Delyth Lloyd-Williams, 42, who has since stopped attending church.

Mr Hewitt, who was on holiday in France this week, pleaded guilty at a Church of Wales disciplinary tribunal, at Brecon, in South Wales, in February last year.

The newly appointed Bishop of Bristol, The Right Reverend Michael Hill, whose diocese includes Christian Malford, said: "I understand that despite his having given a full disclosure of the facts to the relevant people involved in his appointment, parishioners were not told everything about Rev Hewitt's past in his previous diocese.

"Clearly it was a shock for local people to learn from the media about previous incidents, but there is huge local support for Geoff Hewitt in the village. His recent ministry seems to be greatly appreciated.

"I want to stress again my belief that the Christian Gospel encourages us all to allow repentance, forgiveness and a new start."

Raymond Hines, the churchwarden of All Saints' Church and chairman of the parish council said if anything the revelations about Rev Hewitt's past have strengthened support for him in the village. "People are aware, but it hasn't deterred their support for him," said.

"Parishioners are very positive about his appointment and he is very popular.

"He has only been here a short time, but has already had a very positive impact. People like the way he has got himself involved in the community."

A member of Mr Hewitt's 25-strong congregation at All Saints' Church echoed Mr Hines' sentiments.

The man, who would not be named, said: "We have been made aware of the situation and it doesn't bother me.

"The matter has been dealt with by the church and he's a very good parish priest."

But not everyone was prepared to forgive and forget the priest's past.

One female member of the church said: "It does concern me. I don't think any man, no matter what they do should harass women."

In his new job Mr Hewitt, who is on the board of governors at Christian Malford Primary School and Sutton Benger Primary School, is also responsible for churches in Sutton Benger, Tytherton Kellaways and Kington Langley.

Two women readers assist him.

A spokesman for the Bristol Diocese said Mr Hewitt made a frank disclosure of his past to the archdeacon responsible for the appointment, the archdeacon of Malmesbury the Very Rev Alan Hawker. He said the Bishop of Bangor wrote a letter of support for him and proper interview protocol was adhered to.