A district judge reserved judgment in the case against retired Baptist pastor Clive Johnston at Limavady Magistrates Court sitting in Coleraine. The 77-year-old from Melmount Road in Sion Mills faces two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act (Northern Ireland) 2023.

The charges relate to events on 7 July 2023 at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. Johnston is accused of conducting a protest in a safe access zone with intent or recklessness as to influencing a protected person attending the premises. He is also charged with failing to comply with a police direction to leave the zone.

The Act, which received Royal Assent on 6 February 2023, prohibits anti-abortion protests and related behaviours within established safe access zones, enforced by the PSNI.

Court evidence included police body-worn camera footage showing Johnston near a large crucifix using a microphone to quote Bible passages. He told a police inspector he was giving the word of God and that the government should know of a higher law.

Johnston testified he was delivering a sermon and spreading the Gospel, not protesting, despite objections to laws extending abortion services to Northern Ireland.

Prosecutor David McNeill argued the context, location, crucifix, and gospel songs indicated a pro-life message aimed at influencing clinic attendees. He stated religious services are allowed except in this limited zone and cited a Supreme Court decision on human rights arguments as binding.

Defence KC John Larkin contended the prosecution must prove the existence of protected persons attending the clinic, which they did not. He maintained Johnston's activity was gospel preaching about the love of God.

District Judge Peter King thanked counsel David McNeill and John Larkin. He will deliver a written judgment on 7 May.