A Christian pro-life activist at the centre of a transatlantic free speech debate has been found guilty of violating a legal order restricting protest outside a Bournemouth abortion facility.

Dr Livia Tossici-Bolt, aged 64 and a resident of Bournemouth, was convicted at Poole Magistrates’ Court of two counts of breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in March 2023.

The case revolved around Dr Tossici-Bolt standing near the clinic holding a sign that read: “Here to talk, if you want”.

Her prosecution drew international attention when the US Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour expressed concern, posting on X: “We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.”

During sentencing, District Judge Orla Austin addressed the impact of the defendant’s actions: “She lacks insight that her presence could have a detrimental effect on the women attending the clinic, their associates, staff and members of the public.”

The judge clarified the focus of the trial: “I accept her beliefs were truly held beliefs. Although it’s accepted this defendant held pro-life views, it’s important to note this case is not about the rights and wrongs about abortion but about whether the defendant was in breach of the Public Spaces Protection Order".