AN Anglican priest must wait between four and six weeks to learn his fate over allegations of sexual harassment.

A York ecclesiastical tribunal reserved judgement on the Rev Harry Brown's appeal against his sacking by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Graham Dow in September 2001.

St Chad's Church, in York,has heard how more than a dozen parishioners complained of alleged sexual harassment, intimidating behaviour, mental abuse and financial irregularities.

At the time, Mr Brown was priest-in-charge of Crosscrake and Preston Patrick, near Kendal.

The Bishop told the hearing that at an informal meeting he gave Mr Brown, 49, the chance to resign.

"Harry said he wouldn't resign and he had nothing to lose by fighting."

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, January 04, 2003