A 64-year-old woman has been given a conditional discharge for two years for violating a «buffer zone» outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic.
Livia Tossici-Bolt was found guilty at Poole Magistrates’ Court of breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order on two occasions in March 2023. District Judge Orla Austin also ordered Tossici-Bolt to pay £20,000 towards court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
Tossici-Bolt, from Bournemouth, was holding a sign that read: «Here to talk, if you want.»
The judge stated in court that the defendant «lacks insight that her presence could have a detrimental effect on the women attending the clinic, their associates, staff, and members of the public.»
She further explained: «I accept her beliefs were sincerely held. While it is acknowledged that this defendant held pro-life views, it is important to note that this case is not about the morality of abortion but about whether the defendant violated the PSPO [Public Spaces Protection Order].»
The judge clarified that the conditional discharge meant Tossici-Bolt could face a new sentence if she committed another offense within the next two years.
The case has sparked a debate on free speech involving the US government.
It was brought to attention by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, a bureau within the US Department of State, which issued a statement on X stating: «We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.»
Tossici-Bolt, a retired medical scientist, expressed after the trial: «This is a somber day for Great Britain. I was not protesting and did not harass or obstruct anyone. All I did was offer consensual conversation in a public place, as is my basic right, and yet the court found me guilty.
«Freedom of expression is in a state of crisis in the UK. What has happened to this country? The US State Department was right to be concerned by this case as it has serious implications for the entire Western world.
«I remain committed to fighting for free speech, not only for my own sake, but for all my fellow citizens. If we allow this precedent of censorship to stand, nobody’s right to freely express themselves is secure.»
Livia Tossici-Bolt near Poole Magistrates’ Court where she was convicted of breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order outside an abortion clinic in 2023.
Rosalind Comyn, defending, said: «The council hasn’t produced any evidence that Ms Tossici-Bolt was in fact either observed by any service user or any other forms of harm were caused by her behaviour.
«My point is not that breaches can never cause harm, rather that there is no evidence that Ms Tossici-Bolt’s conduct did in this case.»
Read more:
Mother spared prison over 1998 death of newborn son
Prince Andrew involved in ‘crude attempt to enrich himself’
Trump hits island home only to penguins with 10% tariffs
She added that Tossici-Bolt had no previous convictions.
Downing Street said it was vital that women using abortion services can do so «without being subject to harassment or distress» and the right to protest does not «give people the right to harass others».
Asked whether there is a problem with free speech in the UK, the No 10 spokesperson said Britain has «a very proud tradition of free speech over many centuries, and we remain proud of it today».
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council welcomed the conviction, stating that the buffer zone enacted in 2022 was there so patients and staff «could safely access» the clinic «without fear of intimidation».
A spokesperson added: «We will continue to monitor any alleged breaches of this PSPO and will take appropriate action when necessary.»
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) said it welcomed the verdict which «will protect women and the staff who provide abortion care».
BPAS’s chief executive Heidi Stewart said: «The clinic in Bournemouth has been subjected to decades of anti-abortion protests which resulted in more than 500 reports of harassment before this local safe access zone was brought into force.
«This case was never about global politics but about the simple ability of women to access legal healthcare free from harassment.»
in english while maintaining its SEO structure and link types (dofollow or nofollow) exactly as they appear in
A 64-year-old woman has been sentenced to a conditional discharge for two years for breaching a «buffer zone» outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic.
Livia Tossici-Bolt was convicted at Poole Magistrates’ Court of breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order on two days in March 2023. District Judge Orla Austin also ordered Tossici-Bolt to pay £20,000 towards court costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
Tossici-Bolt, from Bournemouth, held a sign saying: «Here to talk, if you want.»
Livia Tossici-Bolt with a sign believed to be what she held when breaching the abortion clinic’s buffer zone. Pic: PA
The judge told the court of the defendant: «She lacks insight that her presence could have a detrimental effect on the women attending the clinic, their associates, staff and members of the public.»
She added: «I accept her beliefs were truly held beliefs. Although it’s accepted this defendant held pro-life views, it’s important to note this case is not about the rights and wrongs about abortion but about whether the defendant was in breach of the PSPO [Public Spaces Protection Order].»
The judge explained that the conditional discharge meant Tossici-Bolt could be re-sentenced if she committed a further offence in the next two years.
The case is at the centre of a free speech controversy involving the US government.
It was highlighted by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, a bureau within the US Department of State, which posted a statement on X saying: «We are monitoring her case. It is imperative for the UK to uphold and safeguard freedom of expression. Tossici-Bolt, a retired medical scientist, expressed concern after a hearing, stating that the UK is facing a crisis regarding freedom of expression. He emphasized the importance of fighting for free speech, not only for his own sake but for all citizens, as allowing censorship to prevail poses a threat to everyone’s right to freely express themselves.
Tossici-Bolt’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many who believe that freedom of expression is in jeopardy in the UK. The US State Department’s concern over this case highlights the potential implications it may have on the entire Western world. Tossici-Bolt’s commitment to advocating for free speech underscores the significance of protecting this fundamental right.
Rosalind Comyn, Tossici-Bolt’s defense attorney, argued that there was no concrete evidence to suggest that Tossici-Bolt’s actions caused harm or distress to anyone. She emphasized that the absence of evidence linking Tossici-Bolt’s conduct to harm indicates a lack of justification for the charges brought against her.
In response to the case, Downing Street emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals accessing abortion services are not subjected to harassment or distress. While acknowledging the right to protest, Downing Street made it clear that this right does not extend to harassing others. The government highlighted the UK’s proud tradition of free speech and reiterated its commitment to upholding this tradition.
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council supported Tossici-Bolt’s conviction, citing the need for a buffer zone to protect patients and staff accessing the clinic. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals can safely access healthcare services without fear of intimidation. They reiterated their commitment to monitoring and addressing any breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Order to maintain a safe environment around the clinic.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) welcomed the verdict, stating that it would help protect women and healthcare staff involved in providing abortion care. BPAS’s chief executive, Heidi Stewart, emphasized the significance of creating a safe access zone to prevent harassment and ensure that women can access healthcare services without interference.
Overall, the case involving Tossici-Bolt sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression in the UK. It underscores the need to balance the right to free speech with the protection of individuals from harassment and intimidation. As the UK navigates these complex issues, it is essential to uphold the principles of freedom of expression while also safeguarding the well-being and safety of all individuals. A 64-year-old woman has been sentenced to a conditional discharge for two years for breaching a «buffer zone» outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic. Livia Tossici-Bolt was convicted at Poole Magistrates’ Court of breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order on two days in March 2023. District Judge Orla Austin also ordered Tossici-Bolt to pay £20,000 towards court costs and a £26 victim surcharge. Tossici-Bolt, from Bournemouth, held a sign saying: «Here to talk, if you want.» The judge told the court of the defendant: «She lacks insight that her presence could have a detrimental effect on the women attending the clinic, their associates, staff, and members of the public.» She added: «I accept her beliefs were truly held beliefs. Although it’s accepted this defendant held pro-life views, it’s important to note this case is not about the rights and wrongs about abortion but about whether the defendant was in breach of the PSPO [Public Spaces Protection Order].» The judge explained that the conditional discharge meant Tossici-Bolt could be re-sentenced if she committed a further offense in the next two years. The case is at the center of a free speech controversy involving the US government. It was highlighted by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, a bureau within the US Department of State, which posted a statement on X saying: «We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.» Tossici-Bolt, a retired medical scientist, said after the hearing: «This is a dark day for Great Britain. I was not protesting and did not harass or obstruct anyone. All I did was offer consensual conversation in a public place, as is my basic right, and yet the court found me guilty. «Freedom of expression is in a state of crisis in the UK. What has happened to this country? The US State Department was right to be concerned by this case as it has serious implications for the entire Western world. «I remain committed to fighting for free speech, not only for my own sake but for all my fellow citizens. If we allow this precedent of censorship to stand, nobody’s right to freely express themselves is secure.»
SOURCE
