A street preacher that was arrested, detained and fined for preaching the gospel during lockdown has had his fine overturned by a crown court judge. 

Andrew Sathiyavan was fined £100 on Easter Sunday 2020, as his work was considered "not essential" by police. 

He was arrested on Sutton High Street, accused of anti-social behaviour. 

He claims he was put into a cell for four to six hours, and was initially not allowed to speak to his wife.

After numerous appeals, his fine was increased to £500. 

The courts told him he should have continued his ministry online, instead of on the streets.  

He told Premier Christian News: "I felt that was a very good opportunity, like Jesus did, to take the gospel on the streets.

As a street ministry, you've got to do these things.

"I was told by the court or the police to do it online. 

"As a street preacher, you can't do this online, because the broken people, the homeless, drug addicts, people who are in desperate need are on the streets."

He continued: "They said 'the preaching of the gospel is not essential. "It's not important.'

"I said 'listen, this is the most important thing."

With the help of Christian Concern, Andrew had his case overturned. 

His work with Gospel Light Ministries continues.