A Christian street preacher has lost a legal challenge against the police after being arrested in 2017 for displaying signs outside Southwark Cathedral that authorities deemed likely to cause alarm and distress.
Ian Sleeper, 56, was detained for 13 hours after holding signs that read, “#Love Muslims, Hate Islam, Jesus is Love + Hope,” and “Love Muslims, Ban Islam, the Religion of Terror.” His protest followed a series of coordinated terrorist attacks earlier that month in London, which claimed eight lives and left dozens injured.
Sleeper maintained that his demonstration was aimed at raising awareness about Islamic extremism, but police intervened, citing concerns over public disorder. Although no criminal charges were filed, Sleeper pursued legal action against the police, arguing that his arrest violated his right to free speech.
After an initial court defeat, he took his case to the High Court, where Justice Sweeting upheld the ruling, stating that the police acted lawfully in detaining him. “The basis for the arrest was not confined to the possibility of harm coming to Mr. Sleeper himself but extended to the potential risk to ‘other persons’ as a result of public disorder,” the judge ruled.
Sleeper has criticized what he perceives as double standards in the handling of protests in London, particularly in comparison to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. He remains determined to appeal the decision with the backing of Christian Concern.