Overview
- Avon and Somerset Police said a 58-year-old man, identified as Pastor Dia Moodley, was arrested in Broadmead on November 22 on suspicion of assault by beating and a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence.
- He was detained for eight hours and then released on bail with a temporary ban from parts of Bristol city centre, conditions that a supervisory officer lifted in mid-December following representations.
- Police said the public order allegation falls under the Public Order Act 1986.
- Officers invited Moodley in January to attend a voluntary interview under caution in relation to the November incident.
- ADF UK is representing Moodley and contends his case reflects a pattern of policing that risks criminalising lawful preaching, noting prior disputes including a 2021 Community Protection Warning limiting amplification and sermon length.