An army veteran has pled “not guilty” to breaking an abortion exclusion zone by praying silently near an abortion clinic in the UK.

Adam Smith-Connor was standing in silent prayer on Orphir Road, Bournemouth when he was questioned as to “the nature of his prayer”.

He said it was for those facing difficult decisions relating to abortion, as well as for the child that he lost to an abortion that he now regrets paying for.

Local authorities issued him with a fine.

Disputing the charges, Smith-Connor says he is being prosecuted “for a thought crime”.

“I am accused of breaching an abortion clinic buffer zone by praying for my son Jacob and other victims of abortion, for their families and for abortion clinic staff on Ophir Road Bournemouth. I did not approach anyone, I did not speak to anyone, I did not breach any one’s privacy. I simply stood silently. I am being tried for the prayerful thoughts I held in my head,” said Adam Smith-Connor upon exiting the court.