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Evangelical street preachers convicted
Two street preachers who used offensive language during an event in Bristol city centre have been convicted of a religiously aggravated public order offence.
The men were arrested in Broadmead in July last year following complaints about comments they were making about Islam and homesexuality.
Michael Overd, 52, of Creech St Michael, Taunton and 50-year-old Michael Stockwell, of Selden, New York, USA, were found guilty following a trial at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.
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They were both fined £300 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30. They’ll also have to jointly pay court costs of £3,372. An application for a Criminal Behaviour Order against Overd will be heard in May.
The case against a third man, 51-year-old Adrian Clark, of St Werburghs, Bristol, was dismissed by magistrates during the trial.
Ch Insp Andy Williams said: “The police have to strike the balance between the right to freedom of expression and free speech and behaviour that causes a member of the public to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed as a result of what is said or done.
“The court has today determined that these men crossed that line and used their platform to comment on other religions and sexuality using disparaging and offensive language.
“They recorded their preaching on a Go-Pro camera which captured the exact words used and the reaction of those listening. They were fully aware of the impact their preaching was having on their audience and the resulting tension it was causing.
“We took statements from 13 members of the public and I’m grateful for their wholehearted support of our investigation and to those who gave evidence in court.
“Bristol is a diverse city which is proudly respectful and tolerant of different perspectives and views and this conviction underlines our commitment to work with the community to keep the city free from hate and intolerance.”
Main photography courtesy of Simon Holliday.
Read more: Bristol’s Brexit hate crimes
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