In December 2006, Butler returned home from a function at the Irish embassy in London with a head injury, which he claimed to be unable to remember sustaining. He contacted the police claiming that he had been mugged. It was subsequently suggested in the media that Butler, apparently under the influence of alcohol, had sustained the injury while being removed from a stranger's car into which he had apparently climbed. The incident has become legendary due to the detail which suggested he was throwing Christmas gifts from the car whilst saying 'I am the Bishop of Southwark, it's what I do'. In an interview with John Humphrys on BBC Radio 4's "Today Programme", Butler reiterated his statement that he had not been drinking heavily but said that he was worried that he still could not account for three hours of the evening in question and was undergoing medical tests. He gave the "Thought for the Day" on the same date. Known in the church as a strong disciplinarian, particularly when dealing with junior clergy caught under the influence of alcohol, Butler faced calls for his resignation from some quarters.