A priest was bitten and repeatedly punched in an unprovoked attack by a man who had consumed a dangerous mixture of new medication and booze.

Daniel Chew interrupted a session attended by a mixture of adults and children being led by the clergyman at St James The Great Church in East Hill, Colchester.

The former Pimp My Ride worker let fly a flurry of punches after approaching the victim from behind.

Another member of staff tried to intervene but Chew bit the reverend on the arm and headbutted him before a group eventually managed to get him to stop.

Chew, of South Street, Colchester, apologised at the scene and gave a written statement to police saying he was grieving and regretted having four cans of Stella Artois.

The 41-year-old later said he had no recollection of signing the statement, but must have done because it was his signature.

The priest said he had been left fearing for his own safety and was worrying the whole church community could be at risk.

Chew admitted assault at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Gemma Lee, mitigating said the only explanation for his behaviour was mixing alcohol with new medication to treat his schizophrenia.

He said: “There is no rhyme or reason to this other than his mental health.

“If he did not have this illness, it would never have happened.

“On this day he had been given new medicine to treat his schizophrenia – he had been thinking about his father but he died some time ago.

“He had four cans of Stella which is not excessive.

“But there was some kind of violent reaction between the alcohol and the medicine which led to this horrific incident.

“There is nobody more remorseful.”

Chew, who used to work on the MTV UK spin-off of popular carprogramme Pimp My Ride, was handed a 16 week jail sentence suspended for 18 months.

He must attend an accredited programme, 60 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Chew is banned from contacting the priest for 18 months or going to the church. but must pay £200 compensation.