9.7 C
London
HomeSector InsightsGovernmentThe prosecution drops charges against a charity volunteer arrested for praying, but...

The prosecution drops charges against a charity volunteer arrested for praying, but suggest further action should be taken

The charitable volunteer, who was criminally charged for praying near a closed abortion facility, will continue to await justice as she states her intention to pursue full dismissal of her charges in court.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who was seen in a viral video being arrested and humiliatingly searched by three police officers after saying that she “might be” praying inside her head, was criminally charged with “protesting and engaging in an act that is intimidating to service users” in a censorship zone around the abortion facility on Station Road in Birmingham. This was despite Vaughan-Spruce stating visibly on video that she was not protesting, and despite the clinic being closed, meaning no service users were in the vicinity while she prayed.

The censorship zone was instated by local authorities by a Public Space Protection Order, which bans activities which it denes as “protest”, including prayer, in the streets surrounding the abortion facility.

CPS have now communicated that they have cancelled the charges against Vaughan-Spruce, yet also have made clear that the charges “may well start again” in the near future subject to further evidential review. This is a warning prosecutors can issue when they expect that further evidence will be received.

Vaughan-Spruce intends to seek clear verdict in court

Given the nature of Vaughan-Spruce’s regular voluntary work in offering charitable support to women in crisis pregnancies near abortion facilities, the discontinuance has left her with signicant legal unclarity moving forward, given that CPS made clear that the charges “may well start again” in the near future subject to further evidential review. Vaughan-Spruce has now made known her intention to pursue a verdict in court. Her rst hearing date is yet to be set.

“It can’t be right that I was arrested and made a criminal, only for praying in my head on a public street. So-called “buffer zone legislation” will result in so many more people like me, doing good and legal activities like offering charitable support to women in crisis pregnancies, or simply praying in their heads, being treated like criminals and even facing court. It’s important to me that I can continue my vital work in supporting women who’d like to avoid abortion if they only had some help. In order to do so, it’s vital that I have clarity as to my legal status. Many of us need an answer as to whether it’s still lawful to pray silently in our own heads. That’s why I’ll be pursuing a verdict regarding my charges in court,” explained Isabel Vaughan-Spruce.

“Isabel is right to request proper clarity as to the lawfulness of our actions. It’s one thing for the authorities to humiliatingly search and arrest an individual simply for their thoughts. It’s quite another to initially deem those thoughts to be sucient evidence to justify charges, then discontinue those charges due to ‘insucient evidence’, and then to warn that further evidence relating to the already unclear charges may soon be forthcoming so as to restart the entire grueling process from the beginning. This is a clear instance of the process becoming the punishment creating a chilling effect on free expression and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. ADF UK remain committed to supporting Isabel’s pursuit because no one should fear prosecution for silent prayer and thoughts in the privacy of their mind,” commented Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF UK.

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, and Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for ADF UK who are supporting her.
Isabelle Vaughan-Spruce.

latest articles

explore more

51 COMMENTS

  1. I just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  2. Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  3. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  4. Magnificent website. Lots of useful info here. I¦m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks on your effort!

  5. Admiring the time and energy you put into your site and detailed information you provide. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  6. Whats Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help different users like its helped me. Great job.

  7. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  8. Explore a wide range of unique cycling gear, including jerseys, bib shorts, and custom designs. Perfect for every cyclist, from casual riders to pros. High-quality materials, standout designs, and options for personalization make it easy to find the perfect fit for you or your team. Shop now and ride in style!

  9. You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  10. Hey very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I am happy to find numerous useful information here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  11. GAC AION DEBUTS GLOBAL NEW VERSION AION V, TARGETING INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

    AION, the new energy vehicle arm of GAC, launched its first global strategic model on July 23. The Global New Version AION V, which rolled off production lines in Thailand, aims to establish itself as a new global classic that satisfies the diverse needs of families worldwide.
    With eyes set on overseas markets, the Global New Version AION V is designed to align with consumer tastes, quality standards, as well as road conditions and regulations across different countries. Unlike traditional SUVs, the AION V features a tough-looking, powerful aesthetic that pairs with a refined interior style, offering luxury that honors and surpasses classic designs.
    Leveraging AION’s exclusive AEP 3.0 designed specifically for electric vehicles, the Global New Version AION V offers an expansive cabin area of 4.42m2. A wheelbase of 2.775m and an interior height of nearly 1.3m provide ample space for children and large pets to roam freely. In the back, an innovative three-tier trunk storage system offers flexible and organized space for various items.
    The Global New Version AION V integrates top-tier electric drive, control, and battery technologies, achieving an impressive 750 km range and an energy consumption rate of just 12.8 kWh/100 km. The model introduces AION’s pioneering 400V+3C fast-charging technology for widespread accessibility and speed – the 400V platform is compatible with 99% of charging infrastructures worldwide, and provides up to 370 km of range with a 15-minute charge.
    In the cockpit, GAC’s ADiGO PILOT intelligent driving system is supported by a Gen4 self-evolving AI algorithm and high-performance NVIDIA Orin-X chip. Based on advanced AI large models and “multi-sensor fusion” technologies, the Global New Version AION V is equipped with NDA functions that operate independently of high-precision maps that can navigate urban environments in any country.
    Prior to its launch, the AION V underwent an all-round public testing program across 28 cities worldwide. Approximately 10,000 industry experts, media representatives, key opinion leaders, and users reviewed the model, offering high praise for its performance and capabilities.
    Releasing the Global New Version AION V simultaneously around the world reflects GAC’s capability to integrate research, production, and sales operations on an international scale. With its cross-cultural appeal and industry-exclusive technologies, the Global New Version AION V is on its way to becoming a leading choice in the mid-sized SUV segment, reshaping the global market landscape for automobiles.

  12. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!

  13. I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and keep checking for new information.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here