UK abortion center employee receives large police payout after pro-life activist arrested for praying outside center.
Lorcan Price of Alliance Defending Freedom UK stated that the payout implies the arrest "should not have occurred."
A British woman who was previously arrested for silently praying outside an abortion facility has received a £13,000 payout from the West Midlands Police in Birmingham, England, after filing a claim alleging false imprisonment, assault, and wrongful arrest.
The video of UK March for Life Director Isabel Vaughan-Spruce's March 2023 arrest for allegedly violating a Public Space Protection Order by praying outside Birmingham’s Robert Clinic went viral and received global attention.
She has persisted in her defense against the accusations, asserting that prayer and contemplation are not offenses.
Vaughan-Spruce expressed delight at receiving the item, but felt a sense of déjà vu. Despite feeling vindicated, he recalled a similar experience when he was acquitted of a crime he had been arrested for, only to be arrested again for his silent prayers two weeks later. He hoped that the police had finally learned their lesson and that silent prayer would never be considered a criminal activity.
The settlement reached with Vaughan-Spruce indicates that her arrests should never have occurred, according to Lorcan Price of Alliance Defending Freedom UK, who has represented her throughout her legal battles with local law enforcement.
He stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that their apology and settlement of the issue were clear indications that it was wrong for it to have happened and that the behavior towards Isabel was unacceptable.
"The video of her arrest and detention went viral with millions of views worldwide, causing significant embarrassment to the police in this country. We are pleased to see an acknowledgment of the wrongful behavior through a settlement, but it is still disappointing and troubling that it occurred in the first place."
Numerous videos depict Vaughan-Spruce being approached by law enforcement, who inquire about her presence near the abortion clinic.
Vaughan-Spruce stated that the main issue is that she shouldn't have had to go to such great lengths to receive an apology or compensation from the police. This was not what she desired. She simply wanted fair treatment, which she believes all Christians and pro-lifers should receive. She emphasized that they should not have to threaten legal action to achieve this.
The West Midlands Police did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment on the payout.
The newly-elected Labour government may lead to stricter measures on free expression, causing concern among some. Vaughan-Spruce expressed her fear that similar incidents could occur again.
She stated that for a long time, many Christians have expressed worries about two-tier policing in our country.
"Although the change in government may bring about improvements, the growing concerns about the two-tier policing system under the new Labour government are leaving many Christians and pro-lifers worried about the future."
Vaughan-Spruce stated that in order to enhance clarity, it is necessary to emphasize that prayer is a "fundamental human right" to prevent police forces from being "overly influenced" by their "own ideological views."
The British Home Office plans to enforce the Public Order Act, which restricts all activities within 150 meters (492 feet) of abortion facilities, despite the Conservative Party government's previous draft guidance stating that silent prayer is protected under the Human Rights Act and should not be considered an offense.
""We are deeply concerned about the new government's approach to freedom of expression, particularly with regards to Isabel's peaceful prayer and other activities. We fear that these powers may be abused by the police in a harsh and overly broad manner, as we have seen in Isabel's case," Price stated."
The West Midlands Police issued a statement regarding Vaughan-Spruce's arrest last year when asked for comment.
A woman received a written warning for violating a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Station Road, Kings Norton on October 18th.
"In response to ongoing reports of anti-social behavior from local residents, West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council have obtained a PSPO and made it public. Violating a PSPO is a criminal offense, and repeated breaches will result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) with a fine of up to £100 or prosecution through a court summons."
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