Police to pay compensation for inappropriate arrest
A police force has been ordered to pay compensation to a street
preacher.
Anthony Rollins was preaching in Birmingham two years ago when
he was hauled off in handcuffs after complaints of homophobia from
a member of the public.
Mr Rollins from Whitchurch, Shropshire, is a devout Christian
and quoted from the King James Bible in his speech, whilst also
handing out leaflets referring to homosexuality. He has been a
member of a Christian mission for 12 years and speaking publicly
with his views for the same length of time.
The 45-year-old was held in a cell for nearly four hours after a
passer-by dialled 999 and complained his language was "hugely
offensive".
Judge Lance Ashworth QC condemned the arrest and told Birmingham
County Court it wasn't done "maliciously, spitefully or arrogantly"
but was done "unthinkingly."
He ordered West Midlands Police to pay more than £4,000 in
damages to Mr Rollins who stated after the case: "The judgment is
excellent news. But I didn't do this for the compensation. I did it
for freedom of speech."
The ruling was also praised by the Christian Institute.
Spokesman Mike Judge said: "Street preachers may not be everyone's
cup of tea, but they are part of our Christian heritage. The police
have no business arresting Christians for quoting the Bible."
Police said they were now considering an appeal.