ATHENS – Α 37-year-old priest who's accused of tossing acid at seven senior Bishops and three others during his disciplinary hearing for drug charges was put in pre-trial detention.

Although his photo was shown, he was not named in a report by Kathimerini which said an investigative magistrate rejected his request not to be remanded due to mental health problems, but accepted a request for a psychological assessment.

He faces charges of grievous bodily harm against nine people with the indictment stating that he inflicted “life-threatening” injuries on them in another acid attack in Greece, which occur infrequently.

The priest said he bought the acid for 45 euros ($53.40) off the Internet and originally intended to use it on himself if the group decided to defrock him, the report also added.

 He also stated that he sprayed some of the acid on his legs and hands and then “in the air,” without intending to harm any of the Bishops or attendants without explaining how it landed on 10 of them in any case.