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Retired Pastor Faces Trial for Preaching Near Abortion Clinic

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Clive Johnston, a 76-year-old retired U.K. pastor, will stand trial for preaching near Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.
He faces charges for influencing people seeking abortion services and for remaining in the buffer zone.
His defense argues the law infringes religious expression rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, noting Rose Docherty’s similar prosecution.
If convicted, Johnston could face a criminal record and significant fines.

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Story summary

Clive Johnston, a 76-year-old retired U.K. pastor, will stand trial for preaching near Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.
He faces charges for influencing people seeking abortion services and for remaining in the buffer zone.
His defense argues the law infringes religious expression rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, noting Rose Docherty’s similar prosecution.
If convicted, Johnston could face a criminal record and significant fines.