Grandmother Appeals to European Court after 'Bizarre' Judgment

IN OCTOBER 2005 Veronica Connolly was charged and convicted of three offences under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 after posting pro-life information to pharmacists who were prescribing the morning after pill.

IN OCTOBER 2005 Veronica Connolly was charged and convicted of three offences under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 after posting pro-life information to pharmacists who were prescribing the morning after pill. After receiving the information one pharmacist called the police and claimed that he and his staff were upset and offended by the material, which showed pictures of aborted foetuses.

IN JANUARY 2007 Mrs Connolly went to the High Court, and is now appealing to the European Court of Human Rights after the High Court judge made what she describes as "a most bizarre" judgment. The Court held that pictures of aborted foetuses could be sent to individuals who are politically active in the abortion debate, but could not be sent to ordinary citizens who might be offended. This decision is contrary to the democratic principle that ultimate sovereignty lies with the people, and they can only influence the political process if they know the truth about abortion.

IN OCTOBER 2007 Veronica Connolly was sentenced to 14 days in jail following her refusal to pay a court fine for showing pictures of aborted foetuses. Pro life organisation LifeLeague were not prepared for Veronica, who is disabled, to suffer any further and so paid the fine.