A woman has been found guilty of two charges of breaching a “buffer zone” outside an abortion clinic in Bournemouth, Dorset.
Livia Tossici-Bolt, an anti-abortion campaigner, was on trial at Poole Magistrates’ Court last month accused of breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order on two days in March 2023.
She has been sentenced to a conditional discharge for two years.
The 64-year-old held up a sign saying “Here to talk, if you want” outside of the clinic.
Livia Tossici-Bolt, an anti-abortion campaigner, was on trial at Poole Magistrates’ Court last month
PA
District Judge Orla Austin told the court of the defendant: “She lacks insight that her presence could have a detrimental effect on the women attending the clinic, their associates, staff and members of the public.”
She added: “I accept her beliefs were truly held beliefs. Although it’s accepted this defendant held pro-life views, it’s important to note this case is not about the rights and wrongs about abortion but about whether the defendant was in breach of the PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order).”
Under UK law, it is illegal to do anything that is meant to intentionally influence someone's decision to have an abortion within 150 metres of any recognised clinic in England and Wales.
In Scotland, similar legislation applies but with a buffer zone of 200 metres.
The silent prayer row has caught the attention of the US administration, with the State Department saying it was "monitoring" the situation.
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Livia Tossici-Bolt is joined by a supporter from March for Life UK as she arrives at Poole Magistrates' Court
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A delegation from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), an office within the US Department of State, met her last month during a visit to the UK.
They were accompanied by ADL International, US-backed anti-abortion group which is known for its strict stances including outlawing abortion, banning same-sex marriage and opposition to gay rights.
DRL issued a statement online earlier this week about the case: "US-UK relations share a mutual respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"However, as Vice President Vance has said, we are concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom.
The case has picked up the attention of the US State Department, with Vice President Vance saying he is 'concerned' about freedom of speech in the UK
REUTERS"While recently in the UK, DRL senior adviser Sam Samson met with Livia Tossici-Bolt, who faces criminal charges for offering conversation within a legally prohibited 'buffer zone' at an abortion clinic.
"We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression."
Hours before Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs were announced, the State Department issued a statement saying it was "concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom".
A source told The Telegraph there should be "no free trade without free speech".
