A retired pastor has been convicted for preaching a sermon on divine love within one of Northern Ireland’s controversial abortion ‘safety’ zones.

The former President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, Clive Johnston, 78,  was arrested last year as he was holding an open-air service on the fringes of a buffer zone opposite Coleraine’s Causeway Hospital which conducts abortions. He did not mention the abortion law but his presence was still deemed a violation of the law leading to his arrest.

The grandfather of seven – who had never been in trouble with the police – now faces a criminal record and £450 in fines

After being found guilty at Coleraine Magistrates court, Pastor Johnston called it a “dark day for Christian freedom”.

Director of the Christian Institute, Ciarán Kelly, called the verdict “creeping censorship”.

“If the ruling stands it will represent a shocking new restriction on freedom of religion and freedom of speech so we will be helping Clive to consider the options for appeal.”