London Street Preacher Acquitted After Prosecution Over Religious Tracts

A 72-year-old street preacher, Richard Johnson, has been acquitted by a London court following a two-year legal battle. Johnson was prosecuted under the Public Order Act 1986 after distributing biblical tracts in the Soho district that referenced the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The prosecution argued that Soho functions as an LGBT “safe space” where such materials should be restricted.

During the trial on September 4, the court ruled that while the content of the tracts was considered offensive and upsetting by some, no criminal offense had been committed. The judge emphasized that no threats of violence were made and clarified that Soho is not a separate jurisdiction with different legal standards regarding freedom of expression. The court also granted a defense costs order to Johnson, who was supported by the Christian Legal Centre throughout the proceedings.

Following the verdict, Johnson stated that his actions were motivated by a desire to share his faith. Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, welcomed the ruling, asserting that religious expression should not be subject to censorship zones based on the offense of others.