Retired pastor denies offences at Causeway Hospital

A RETIRED church pastor has denied conducting an illegal protest at an abortion safe access zone at Causeway hospital.

Clive Johnston (76), of Melmount Road, Sion Mills, County Tyrone, appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court today (Fri).

Defence counsel Aaron Thompson entered not guilty pleas to two charges on his client's behalf, stating that the defendant disputes the charges on a devolution point and under article nine of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The lawyer also revealed that the defendant has instructed the former Attorney General John Larkin to take the lead on his case.

Mr Johnston, a former President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, faces two offences under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act (Northern Ireland) 2023.

He is accused of doing an act in a safe access zone “namely conducting a protest with the intent of, or being reckless as to whether, it had the effect of influencing a protected person whether directly or indirectly in connection with the protected person attending the premises” on 7 July last year.

He is further charged with “failing to comply with a direction – to leave a safe access zone” on the same date.

District Judge Peter King adjourned the case until 2 May.