Anti-gay street preacher, 44, pleads not guilty after arrest by PSNI

The case against an open air preacher from Loughbrickland has come before the courts for the first time since he was arrested by the PSNI in Larne.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 16th May 2022, 17:28 BST
Updated 17th May 2022, 10:32 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Businessman Ryan Williamson, 44, regularly preaches against homosexuality in messages he delivers across NI and the Republic of Ireland.

Police were called to investigate claims he was committing hate speech in Larne on 10 August last year. However when approached by police, he refused to stop preaching and was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His case came before Ballymena Magistrates Court yesterday, where his solicitor entered a not guilty plea. The case is adjourned until 20 May, to fix a date for a trial.

Gospel preacher Ryan Williamson, 44, is arrested by PSNI officers for suspected disorderly behaviour after refusing to stop preaching in Larne town centre on Tuesday. He was dearrested 30 minutes later and went back to preaching.Gospel preacher Ryan Williamson, 44, is arrested by PSNI officers for suspected disorderly behaviour after refusing to stop preaching in Larne town centre on Tuesday. He was dearrested 30 minutes later and went back to preaching.
Gospel preacher Ryan Williamson, 44, is arrested by PSNI officers for suspected disorderly behaviour after refusing to stop preaching in Larne town centre on Tuesday. He was dearrested 30 minutes later and went back to preaching.

READ MORE:

Norman Hamilton: We need to decide what the PSNI are actually for: stopping violence and gangs or policing opinions

Peter Tatchell urges PPS to ‘think again’ about prosecution of open air preacher who criticises LGBT relationships

Northern Ireland Hate Crime Bill: Justice Minister Naomi Long consults on end of private dwelling legal defence which critics say could lead to ‘Big Brother’ in NI living rooms