Two years on, and a judge has refused to allow Christian Voice National Director Stephen Green to appeal his conviction under ‘Buffer Zone’ legislation in February 2024 by Uxbridge Magistrates for standing in front of the Marie Stopes abortion facility in Mattock Lane, Ealing, in February 2023, displaying a Bible verse:
Psalm 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
(‘Reins’ is an old expression for ‘kidneys’ or ‘insides’, The quote is from the King James Bible, the one presented to King Charles at his coronation).
Mr Justice Mansfield agreed with the Crown Court judge that it was not necessary to look at the actual circumstances of the case. The mere fact that Stephen was there was enough to walk all over his right to express his religion by standing with a Bible verse in a public place.
Sign our petition:
High Court 12th February 2026
In October 2024 Judge Hammerton of Isleworth Crown Court agreed with the Magistrates. Advocate Michael Phillips from Christian Legal Centre immediately filed a judicial review of the Crown Court decision in what is known as a ‘Case Stated’. Naturally, Isleworth Crown Court refused to consider the Case Stated. Mr Phillips then filed the papers direct with the High Court.
The High Court refused on papers and again in the hearing on Thursday 12th February 2026. We now appeal that decision direct to the Court of Appeal in London on papers. If they refuse, then the last option is to go to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. An appellant must exhaust all domestic remedies before appealing to the ECHR.
Stephen Green said: ‘I look forward to my conviction being quashed on appeal. In the end, these buffer zones must be ruled unlawful and Christian freedom of expression upheld in this realm.’ But the first step is for the judge to approve my application for an appeal. That is what the hearing is about on 12th Feb.
If you cannot be there in London tomorrow, please pray for justice to be done!
Magistrate’s Verdict & Costs Order
Stephen harassed nobody, nor did he mention abortion. Nevertheless, District Judge Kathryn Verghis ruled that by holding the sign he was guilty of protesting by ‘engaging in an act of approval/disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services’.
Judge Verghis said that although the PSPO curtailed his human rights, it was necessary and proportionate to stop what she, and prosecuting barrister Ellis Sareen, accepted was an entirely peaceful protest by Mr Green. Mr Sareen acknowledged there was no evidence of any ‘service user’ suffering any detriment on the day and that the poster was only ‘an oblique reference’ to abortion.
The judge declined to fine Mr Green, the maximum for the offence being £1000, instead giving him a 12-month conditional discharge. Judge Verghis also ordered the preacher to pay Ealing Council prosecution costs of £2600. That was half what they were demanding, by the grace of God and favour from the judge, but still a considerable amount.
Micah 2:1 Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. 2 And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.
Appeal to Crown Court
On 29th and the 30th October 2024 Stephen appealed against his conviction in Uxbridge Magistrates Court to the Crown Court at Isleworth in South West London.
Judge Alistair Hammerton upheld the magistrates’ court conviction and sentence.
This time, Ealing asked for costs of £7,536.50. In what must be seen as a punitive order, Judge Hammerton granted the costs in full and allowed no time to pay.
Sign our petition:
READ: Gen 4:8-10, 14:16; Deut 27:25; 1Sam 30:18; Prov 6:16-17; Eccl 11:5; Isa 59:7; Matt 18:10; Luke 12:11-12; Eph 6:13-19.
PRAY: For the High Court to agree to hear Stephen’s appeal. For courage for Stephen, eloquence for Michael, favour with the judge.
WRITE: To your MP at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or email him/her from the MP list below. Ask your MP to agree with you that Buffer Zones are an unwarranted assault on freedom of speech.
Use this UK Parliament link to email your MP →
Previous Articles
UK-wide abortion ‘buffer zones’ (20/09/24) →
Bible in chains after Buffer Zone verdict (02/02/24) →
Buffer Zone Trial infringes human rights (13/01/24) →
Bible on Trial as CV director faces court (10/10/23) →
Buffer Zone Court Threat (15/03/23) →
Buffer Zone Challenge Videos (20/02/23) →
Buffer Zone Challenge Progress (09/02/23) →
Buffer Zone Challenge (04/02/23) →
Ask us to come and speak at your church →
Support us!
We appreciate your support; it enables our research and helps us inform your prayers.
So click below to support Christian Voice and stand up for the King of kings
Or fill in the form below to keep in touch:
Click on the social media links below to share this post:
