A prisoner awaiting sentence for illegally possessing a shotgun has reportedly collapsed in the cells at a crown court this evening.

Three ambulances and Kent Fire and Rescue have been called to Canterbury Crown Court where it is thought Bishop Jean Gilson-Levi lost consciousness in his cell.

Prison officers performed CPR while waiting for help to arrive.

Fire crews helped paramedics get Gilson-Levi out of his cell and he has been taken to hospital.

Just hours earlier he had appeared in court for sentencing after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a single-barrelled semi-automatic shotgun.

But the judge put back sentencing until Monday, remanding the bishop in custody until then.

In a plea to the judge Gilson-Levi said: "I am ready to be punished for my ignorance.

"I am not a healthy man your honour, this has been killing me.

"I ask for mercy."

His condition is not known.