Former President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, Clive Johnston, has had a decision on his case delayed after he gave evidence at his trial.
The retired pastor faces two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act for holding an open-air service opposite Coleraine’s Causeway Hospital, on the fringes of a buffer zone, in July 2024.
He has pleaded not guilty to the vague charge of ‘influencing’ people accessing abortion services on the edge of a censorship zone, following his preaching on John 3:16 during a Sunday service.
During the 77-year-old's open-air service, there was no mention of abortion, nor were there any abortion-related banners or placards.
Potential fines of thousands of pounds, as well as a criminal record, could face the grandfather of seven if he were to be convicted despite no previous run-ins with the police.
Support has been shown for the former Pastor, with others believing that the buffer zones are already censoring the church.
Christian Institute’s Director Ciarán Kelly said: “The buffer zones laws are already unjust. They should not also be used to criminalise acts of worship and gospel preaching.
“The Christian Institute will continue to support Clive throughout his ordeal.”
The decision has been made to defer the decision by the District Judge Peter King, with the wait for further written submissions and another scheduled court hearing in March 2026.
