Father Antoine Videau, 64, received a three-year prison sentence for crimes that led to him being known as the "Playboy Padre".A court in Ajaccio, Corsica, heard he had "played the system" for more than 20 years. As well as property, foreign travel and sports cars, Father Videau had spent the money on vintage wine and champagne.
Prosecutor Thomas Pison said: "Father Videau was a bon viveur who lived a double life. He would pretend to be devoted and holy, while in fact living part of his life like a super-rich playboy."
"You have shown nothing but contempt for your parishioners."
He added that Videau's bright red sports car had been used by the priest to drive around Europe.
Father Videau, who was arrested in 2005 while parish priest in Calacuccia, Corsica, had denied fraud and abuse of confidence.
He appointed himself executor of the half-a-million pounds estate of a deceased archbishop, making sure that everything went to him.
Meanwhile, Father Videau set up home with a young woman in La Ciotat, in the Bouches-du-Rhône area of France, making sure that nobody back in Corsica got to hear about her.
He was also frequently seen winning and dinning other young women in upmarket restaurants around Europe.



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