Overview
- Clive Johnston, found guilty Thursday at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court, was convicted on two counts under the 2023 Safe Access Zones law and fined £450.
- District Judge Peter King said Johnston deliberately stayed to test the law and refused a police direction to leave, relying on body‑worn camera footage to support the verdict.
- Police video showed Johnston using a microphone near a large crucifix and leading gospel songs while quoting Bible verses, which the court found could influence someone using the service.
- The law creates “safe access zones” around abortion providers where actions likely to influence patients are banned and enforced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
- Johnston says he preached John 3:16 without mentioning abortion and will consider an appeal with support from The Christian Institute, while the U.S. State Department has said it is monitoring the case with concern and evidence indicated at least one protected person was receiving aftercare that day.