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We welcome victory of Bernadette Smyth in Marie Stopes harassment case

The Life Institute has welcomed the successful appeal by Bernadette Smyth as harassment charges  were thrown out of the Belfast County Court.

The judge ruled there was insufficient evidence that Ms Smyth harassed former Marie Stopes abortion clinic director Dawn Purvis.

“We’re delighted that justice has been served and that the court has thrown out these ridiculous charges against Bernadette Smyth,” said Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute. “Bernadette Smyth has given her life to supporting women in crisis and providing real assistance to mothers and babies. This attempt to shut down her pro-life work was reprehensible and she should never have been dragged through the courts to face these baseless accusations.”   The Court agreed with Mrs Smyth's lawyer when he applied to have the case against his client thrown out because the evidence did not meet the standard required for a successful prosecution.

“Bernadette Smyth can hold her head high as he court has vindicated her good name and the important work she does to protect mothers and babies,” said Ms Uí Bhriain. “ We are delighted with today’s ruling which overturned the miscarriage of justice which saw Bernadette accused of harassment.”   “I hope the attention of the Irish media now turns to the appalling practises in the Marie Stopes abortion chain – and in particular to the ongoing case of a woman from Ireland who tragically dies after an abortion in a Marie Stopes clinic in London,” Ms Uí Bhriain said. 

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