The London Borough of Wandsworth has decided to drop charges against street preacher Dominic Muir for preaching in Battersea Park earlier this year.
No prosecution
On 11th August, Dominic stood on the rear of his van and used a public address system to speak to passers-by. He read from the Bible and handed out Christian tracts.
A police officer approached Dominic and asked whether he had obtained permission to preach in the area.
Warning
Dominic responded that he had not obtained permission. He was then told by the officer that he would be prosecuted, and was also given a verbal warning for distributing the tracts.
The council alleged that Dominic had breached little used byelaws which ban street preaching in certain parts of the borough.
Assist
The Christian Legal Centre was able to assist Dominic and attend the first hearing in September at Richmond upon Thames Magistrates Court. He entered a not guilty plea and the matter was adjourned for trial.
The council has since informed Dominic that they won’t be pursuing their prosecution. This is great news for everyone who believes in the freedom to preach the Gospel in public.