A MONK who was beaten up in his own home by a rampaging drug addict said today he has "totally forgiven" his attacker.

Bishop Stephen, of St Anne's Orthodox Chapel in York, nursed Simon Watts through his addiction for three years - but his kindness was repaid with violence and terror.

Watts smashed up Stephen's home, causing thousands of pounds of damage, and hit him in the face with a shovel.

Three days later, Watts went on a 75-minute crime spree, culminating in a "sickening" attack on a 73-year-old great-grandmother.

Stephen, who does not use his surname, is a member of the Celtic Orthodox Church. He first met Watts in 2001, and encouraged him to attend services at the Brownlow Street chapel to tackle his drug addiction. He also gave him food, cleaned his clothes and helped tidy his flat.

But Watts' behaviour got worse, and on January 21, 2004, he attacked Stephen with a brass coal shovel.

While paramedics took Stephen to York Hospital, Watts was arrested - but he was released on bail the next day. On January 24 he went on a desperate rampage for cash, robbing Jean Simpson, 74, and leaving her for dead.

He was convicted and jailed for nine years - but a senior judge at London's Criminal Appeal Court later cut the sentence to just seven.

Stephen now writes to Watts in prison, prays for him every day, and says he would even invite him back into his own home.

Stephen said: "I hold absolutely nothing against Simon whatsoever. People tell me I should have nothing to do with drug addicts ever again - but we are in the business of loving people. Whenever you try and show God's love to people you always know there is a good chance it will be thrown back in your face.

"I am a monk. We are here for people. If Simon turned up at the door I would let him in - as long as there was somebody else in the house.

"Simon has told me he is extremely sorry for what he did, both to me and to others.

"He never wanted this to happen. He feels acutely guilty for it. There was a great deal wrong with him.

"I have no problem with his sentence being reduced. I'm sure his behaviour in prison is exemplary.

"I only hope he receives treatment there to help him prepare for the future.

"He doesn't want to come back to York, but wants to go somewhere else and make a fresh start.

"He is on our daily prayer list.

"I hope and pray that the time he has in prison gives him the chance to be productive and enjoy life - but he has got to have the courage to stand up to those who would supply him with drugs."

Updated: 10:07 Friday, January 28, 2005