Mags GarganUnclear reasons for conviction cause concern
The conviction of the head of a pro-life group in the North on charges of harassment has been described as surprising and concerning by campaigners.
Bernadette Smyth, the founder of Precious Life, was found guilty of harassing Dawn Purvis, director of the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast. She has been ordered to pay compensation and banned from the area around the clinic where the pro-life group has been holding a protest. Mrs Smyth will be sentenced next month and could face community service or a prison term.
A spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign (PLC) expressed surprise at the verdict in Belfast’s Magistrates Court, and said “many people will be alarmed at the decision to convict Bernie based on the evidence that was presented in court.
“There have been very few convictions in recent times where clear harassment, intimidation and even violence took place – for example, during anti-austerity protests and more recently in Dublin and elsewhere over water charges. Yet in the case of Bernie Smyth, where things appeared far from clear-cut, she was convicted. That has to be a cause for genuine concern. I am pleased, however, that Bernie intends to appeal the conviction.”