A Christian charity volunteer has received £13,000 and an apology after her arrests for silently praying outside an abortion clinic.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was first arrested by West Midlands Police in November 2022 for silently praying in a 'buffer zone' - an area which bans behaviour that may intimidate women entering an abortion clinic.

In February 2023, she was cleared of all charges at Birmingham Magistrates' Court when the prosecution couldn't provide evidence. However, she was arrested again weeks later for the same offence.

Supported by ADF International, she then took legal action against the police for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and human rights violations.

 “Although I'm very grateful that it's got to this stage and I have been vindicated, it should never have had to go to these lengths to get to this situation,” she told Premier Christian News in response to the outcome.

“We shouldn't have to make claims against the police. A lot of people wouldn't want to go through the situation I've gone through and would simply give up or rescind their rights, and that's something we shouldn't have to do as Christians and pro-lifers.”

Her vindication comes as ministers prepare to review police guidelines stating that “silent prayer” within 150 metres of an abortion clinic or hospital should not be considered an offence across England and Wales.

Vaughan-Spruce added: “I think it is an utter disgrace that these [buffer zones] have been voted in nationally. Pro-lifers are peaceful. We're there to actually help women, and we have loads of women that we do help. These women wouldn't be approaching us if we were standing there doing the sort of things that are claimed.”