A street preacher was arrested in Basildon on Wednesday following a complaint by a member of public. The Christian Legal Centre reports that Rob Hughes was held for seven and a half hours at Basildon police station before being released without charge at around 11:30pm. The CLC reports he was detained under Section 5 of the Public Order Act on the grounds that he "caused harassment, alarm or distress", an accusation he denied. The centre assisted him by providing a solicitor to help him during the police interview. "I am so grateful that the Christian Legal Centre was able to react quickly and effectively in my situation," said Hughes afterward. He added that he felt Christian street preachers were being "presumed guilty until found to be innocent". "This is happening alarmingly often now," said the Christian Legal Centre, which has previously warned of a "clampdown on freedom of speech" where Christian views on sexual ethics are expressed.

Pray: for the police to be made fully aware of the guidance previously given that ensures the freedom of speech in these circumstances. (Ps.58:1)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/another.street.preacher.arrested/33876.htm