Retired pastor pleads not guilty to protest charges

A retired pastor, Clive Johnston, has pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal protest in a safe access zone near an abortion clinic in Coleraine. The charges stem from an incident on July 7, 2024, at Causeway Hospital. Johnston is accused of protesting in a way that could influence someone attending the clinic. Johnston, 76, is also charged with not leaving the safe access zone when directed by authorities. His lawyer, Aaron Thompson, stated that Johnston disputes the charges on a legal basis related to the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly its protection of freedom of thought and religion. The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act was enacted in February 2023. It prohibits protests and certain behaviors within designated zones to protect individuals in those areas. The evidence for the case primarily includes body camera and CCTV footage from the day of the protest. Thompson has indicated that the case may take a significant amount of time to resolve. He requested the case be adjourned to allow for more time to prepare their defense. District Judge Peter King agreed to adjourn the case until May 2, noting that although Johnston is encouraged to attend future hearings, he is not required to do so.