A FORMER armed robber has been ordained as a priest at a ceremony at York Minster.

The Rev Matt Martinson used to sleep rough in York, took drugs and became involved in armed robbery as matters spiralled violently out of control.

The 35-year-old married father of one, who is currently curate at St Nicholas Church in Beverley, was one of 14 people being ordained by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, yesterday.

As reported in The Press last week, Mr Martinson said he turned his life around after he “made a deal with God”.