Clive Johnston, 78, from Melmount Road in Sion Mills, County Tyrone, received a £450 fine at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Thursday after conviction on two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act (Northern Ireland) 2023.

District Judge Peter King found Johnston guilty of performing an act in a safe access zone around Causeway Hospital on 7 July 2024 with intent or recklessness as to influencing a protected person attending the premises. The judge also convicted him of failing to comply with a direction from Inspector O’Brien to leave the zone.

The court heard that Johnston held an open-air service in the zone, using a microphone to recite Bible verses while standing near a crucifix. At least one protected person accessed therapeutic aftercare as part of the Northern Trust's abortion service that day.

Judge King noted Johnston's awareness of potential offences from prior emails with the inspector and his deliberate choice to remain in the zone after others left. The judge described Johnston as a man of good character with strong religious beliefs and past public association with anti-abortion views.

Johnston, former president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, stated his actions aimed to test the legislation and share a Christian message. The sermon contained no reference to abortion.

The judge set bail at £500 for a potential appeal. Safe access zones, established in 2023 under 2022 Stormont legislation, prohibit certain acts within 100 to 150 metres of specified health facilities providing abortion services.