Overview
- The case, which returns to Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, could leave 77-year-old Clive Johnston with a criminal record and fines reported up to £2,500.
- Prosecutors say Johnston tried to influence people within a protected zone and refused to leave when asked by police.
- Reports say he preached on John 3:16 on July 7, 2024 near Causeway Hospital without mentioning abortion or displaying signs.
- The US State Department says it is monitoring many UK buffer-zone cases and calls the treatment of silent prayer a violation of free speech and religious liberty.
- The 2022 law creates 100–150 meter safe-access zones where it is illegal to impede, record, influence, or cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and supporters of Johnston say the case stretches that scope; he is represented by former Attorney General John Larkin KC and previously gave evidence before District Judge Peter King.