Marathon ban for 'dancing priest'

12 April 2012

The defrocked priest who wrecked the 2004 Olympic marathon has been banned from every London Marathon until 2010.

Cornelius Horan, 60, is also banned, in a three-year Asbo, from the start of the Tour de France in London in July.

Under the threat of five years in prison if he breaches the order, Horan, dubbed the dancing priest, told Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court, south-east London, that he would be "very happy" to comply.

After the hearing Horan, of Southwark, south-east London, dressed in his trademark orange mini kilt and green waistcoat, said: "I'm very pleased with everything because it does not touch my religious beliefs.

"I feel that I have put the Bible on the world stage twice now (at the Athens Olympics and the Silverstone Grand Prix) and that's enough.

"There is no need to break the rules.

"My life is about proclaiming the Bible. I'm happy to move on."

His stunts have included lunging at Brazilian runner Vanderlei de Lima during the 2004 Olympic marathon, costing him the gold medal.

He ran on to the track during the 2003 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, dodging Formula One cars speeding by at 200mph.

Horan, originally from County Kerry, was also arrested at last year's World Cup in Germany where he planned to wave placards praising Hitler.

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