A Folkestone bishop was hospitalised after a suspected overdose, a court heard today.

Jean Gilson-Levi was remanded in custody for firearms offences when he collapsed in his court cell.

Judge Adele Williams adjourned the sentencing hearing after requesting the father of seven undertake a psychiatric assessment.

Last Friday, firefighters, paramedics and the Air Ambulance were called after he fell ill at Canterbury Crown Court.

Earlier, the 53-year-old, of Penfold Road, Folkestone had made a dock plea to the judge after sacking his lawyer.

He admitted coming to the UK from his native Belgium with a special C16 semi-automatic and ammunition but without certificates.

He said the weapon had been declared on both arriving in the UK and as he was leaving.

Gilson-Levi told Judge Williams he believed he had permission to shoot pigeons.

He claimed to have a five-day hunting licence from Belgium – but the one he brought to court was purchased after he was stopped with the weapon leaving the UK.

He said: “I couldn’t afford a year's licence because I am in the ministry..I am not, how you say, a wealthy man, financially.”

The bishop said shooting was his hobby after his late father left him his weapon and he often hunts wild boar in Belgium.

He pleaded guilty to entering the UK without a firearms licence - an offence which usually carries a stiff jail sentence.

He said:“This is a crime and I am sorry for breaching the law. This is a crime, I agree, but by ignorance.

“I am asking for mercy, knowing I am not a bad man. I am a leader in church, a bishop and I help so many people, building orphanages abroad.

“I am not a healthy man because of this and this is really killing me. It is right I be punished but for ignorance. I have seven kids and four grandkids and I ask for clemency.”

Gilson-Levi is a missionary and founder of the Restored Covenant Churches of God, a Pentecostal apostolic organisation.

Sentence was adjourned until August 28.

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