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Army veteran father-of-two, 50, charged with silently praying for his dead son near an abortion clinic blasts police for 'prosecuting thoughtcrimes'

Related Topics: Adam Smith-Connor

An army veteran who served in Afghanistan has blasted police for 'prosecuting thoughtcrimes' after he was charged for silently praying for his dead son near an abortion clinic.

Adam Smith-Connor, 50, claims he was approached by two council officers as he stood on the pavement outside the BPAS clinic on Ophir Road in Bournemouth last year. He alleges he was questioned about 'the nature of his prayer'.

Mr Smith-Connor, of Southampton, who said his girlfriend had an abortion two decades ago, told the officers he was 'praying for my son', but one of them explained he was in breach of the terms of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).