Posted on 04/05/2025 6:05:25 AM PDT by MinorityRepublican
A Christian charity volunteer has been awarded a £13,000 payout and an apology from police after being arrested for praying silently outside an abortion clinic.
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce issued a claim against West Midlands Police for two wrongful arrests and false imprisonments; assault and battery in relation to an intrusive search of her person; and for a breach of her human rights in 2022 and 2023. Ms Vaughan-Spruce was first arrested in November 2022 for praying in a 'buffer zone' outside the BPAS Robert Clinic in Kings Norton, Birmingham.
Just weeks after she was found not guilty by Birmingham Magistrates Court, she was arrested a second time for silently praying outside the same clinic in February 2023.
Officers from West Midlands Police told her at the time that 'engaging in prayer' was 'the offence' after she insisted she was 'not protesting'.
But Police later said 'there will be no further investigation' into the incident and apologised to her.
Now, Ms Vaughan-Spruce, who is the director of anti-abortion group March for Life UK, has received a £13,000 payout after pursuing a claim against West Midlands Police.
It comes just days after reports the Government is considering formally criminalising silent prayer outside abortion clinics, with new legislation set to come into force.
Lord Frost, a former Conservative cabinet minister, has said that if the reports are correct, 'then not just freedom of speech, but freedom of thought will be under threat'.
Speaking about Ms Vaughan-Spruce's case, Lord Frost said: 'It is incredible that people have been arrested for thoughtcrime in modern Britain. I am very glad Ms Vaughan-Spruce has received compensation for her unjust arrest for this so-called offence.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
You were near a clinic and we say your lips moving.
I was just reciting passages from “Heather has Two Moms.”
I think we know.
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