A 49-year-old priest was arrested for allegedly punching and verbally abusing a 45-year-old woman with whom he is believed to have been in a relationship. The incident occurred in the early hours of last Saturday in Pyrgos.

According to police sources, the priest, who serves in a church in a large mountainous village in Ilia, is accused of punching and insulting the woman. He also reportedly stole her phone to prevent her from reporting him.

The two had gone out to a venue in Pyrgos last Saturday, and upon returning home, they had a confrontation during which the 49-year-old assaulted the woman.

After the priest left the house to go to church, the 45-year-old went to the hospital to receive first aid and filed a complaint with the authorities.

The priest was arrested on Sunday after the church service, detained at the Ilia Police Directorate, and is expected to appear before the Prosecutor today.