An individual who was found guilty of breaching a protection zone outside an abortion clinic has stated her intention to continue advocating for free speech. Livia Tossici-Bolt, aged 64, received a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £20,000 in costs after breaking a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on two occasions in March 2023. She was observed holding a sign that read “Here to talk, if you want” outside a clinic in Bournemouth during those two days.
Tossici-Bolt’s case has gained attention from various parties, including US Vice-President JD Vance and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour. The latter expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression for all individuals. Speaking on Radio 4’s Today program, Tossici-Bolt clarified that her intention was not to protest, harass, or intimidate but rather to engage in consensual conversations.
During the court proceedings at Poole Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Orla Austin noted that Tossici-Bolt’s presence outside the clinic could have negatively impacted the women accessing the services. The judge emphasized that the case did not revolve around the abortion debate but rather focused on whether the defendant had violated the terms of the PSPO. The prosecution, instigated by Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council, centered on the breach of the PSPO under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 that was implemented at Ophir Road.
In response to the conviction and imposed costs, Tossici-Bolt’s legal representative, Jeremiah Igunnubole, from the Alliance Defending Freedom, expressed their intention to explore all legal avenues. Igunnubole deemed the outcome as “unprecedented,” highlighting the criminalization of peaceful conduct solely based on offering consensual conversations. The case also drew commentary from former supreme court justice Lord Sumption, who underscored the need to balance freedom of speech with the protection of individuals seeking abortion services
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
