A former serviceman who prayed silently for his unborn son outside an abortion clinic has been convicted of breaching a so-called “safe zone” around the centre.

Adam Smith-Connor had his head bowed and hands clasped as he prayed for his son Jacob, whom he said died from abortion 22 years ago, outside the centre in Bournemouth, Dorset, on November 24, 2022.

The exclusion zone around the clinic was introduced in October 2022 and banned activity including protests, gatherings and vigils against abortion.

Smith-Connor denied the offence of failing to comply with the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) but was found guilty by District Judge Orla Austin who said on Wednesday that what he did was “deliberate”.

The 51-year-old was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay more than £9,000 in court costs and victim surcharge.