17/12/2014
Community Service For Bernadette Smyth
Bernadette Smyth, an anti-abortion protestor who was convicted of harassing a director at Belfast's Marie Stopes clinic, has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service.
According to reports, the 52-year-old who is a leader of anti-abortion group Precious Life, must also pay £2,000 compensation to her victim.
Dawn Purvis, a former assembly member, was harassed by Mrs Smyth.
In addition, a five-year restraining order was also imposed on Smyth from pestering Ms Purvis or anyone entering the clinic. Mrs Smyth has also been excluded from going within 20 yards of the clinic.
Smyth had previously denied harassing Ms Purvis on two separate occasions earlier this year.
Following the ruling, Mrs Smyth's solicitor described it as "a disappointment for Christians worldwide". They added that they would be appealing the verdict and sentence next month.
(JP/MH)
According to reports, the 52-year-old who is a leader of anti-abortion group Precious Life, must also pay £2,000 compensation to her victim.
Dawn Purvis, a former assembly member, was harassed by Mrs Smyth.
In addition, a five-year restraining order was also imposed on Smyth from pestering Ms Purvis or anyone entering the clinic. Mrs Smyth has also been excluded from going within 20 yards of the clinic.
Smyth had previously denied harassing Ms Purvis on two separate occasions earlier this year.
Following the ruling, Mrs Smyth's solicitor described it as "a disappointment for Christians worldwide". They added that they would be appealing the verdict and sentence next month.
(JP/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
08 March 2024
NI Prison Service Achieves UK First With Online Booking System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the introduction of a new fully online visit booking system. Northern Ireland Prison Service has become the first in the UK to offer the option of online booking an in-person and virtual visits to any prison in NI.
NI Prison Service Achieves UK First With Online Booking System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the introduction of a new fully online visit booking system. Northern Ireland Prison Service has become the first in the UK to offer the option of online booking an in-person and virtual visits to any prison in NI.
02 February 2024
Green Party Welcomes Decision To Save Promote Learning Disability Service
The Green Party has welcomed the decision by charity & social, Orchardville, to run the Promote Learning Disability Service in Bangor after it was under threat of closure. Although delighted by the news, Councillor McKee said that it was "disgraceful" that day opportunity placements for 52 adults were put under threat.
Green Party Welcomes Decision To Save Promote Learning Disability Service
The Green Party has welcomed the decision by charity & social, Orchardville, to run the Promote Learning Disability Service in Bangor after it was under threat of closure. Although delighted by the news, Councillor McKee said that it was "disgraceful" that day opportunity placements for 52 adults were put under threat.
31 January 2024
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
06 March 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Call On Infrastructure Minister To Fund City Nightbus Service The SDLP has called on the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to fund a nightbus service for Belfast.
Other News In Brief
SDLP Call On Infrastructure Minister To Fund City Nightbus Service The SDLP has called on the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to fund a nightbus service for Belfast.