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British Courts Find Man Guilty of a 'Thoughtcrime'

Leah Barkoukis
Leah Barkoukis  |  October 17, 2024 8:00 AM

In November 2022,  British Army veteran Adam Smith-Connor was standing outside an abortion clinic in a “buffer zone,” where the local law prohibits anyone from expressing an opinion one way or the other about abortion. But Smith-Connor wasn’t handing out leaflets and he didn’t approach anyone entering the building. All he did was stand out “of the line of sight of the abortion facility,” behind a tree, with his back to the building, while he silently prayed in his head. He wasn’t on his knees and he wasn’t crossing himself. But local police nevertheless questioned him in an exchange you truly have to watch to believe.      

One officer even presses him on what he was praying about. He was honest—he said his deceased son. While he did not go further, Alliance Defending Freedom International explains that prior to converting to Christianity, Smith-Connor paid for his ex-girlfriend’s abortion of his first son. And while he has “found forgiveness,” he nevertheless understands very personally the “trauma of abortion and loss of life it causes,” which is why he silently prays in public not only about his own child but for other unborn babies and their parents.

According to the rules of the censorship zone in which he was praying, if Adam were thinking about any other issue – the economy, immigration, or healthcare, for example – he wouldn’t have been fined. It was the nature of his thoughts, his silent prayer, that got him in legal trouble.

The UK has witnessed a modern-day ‘thought crime’ trial.

In August 2023, Bournemouth authorities criminally prosecuted Adam for this and although his trial was originally scheduled for last November, it was delayed for almost a year. This prolonged process has caused Adam and his family unwarranted hardship and emotional strain. 

Over a year later in October 2024, The Court sentenced Smith-Connor to a conditional discharge and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £9,000.  

In its decision, the court reasoned that his prayer amounted to “disapproval of abortion” because at one point his head was seen slightly bowed and his hands were clasped. (ADF International)

Alarmingly, more people around the UK may soon be charged for thoughtcrimes like Smith-Connor. 

The UK Parliament voted to roll out “buffer zones” around every abortion facility in England & Wales as part of the Public Order Act 2023.  

The Labour Government have announced plans to implement the zones on 31st October 2024. Under the national law, “influencing” someone’s decision to “access” abortion services will become a crime. 

This new law will introduce buffer zones nationwide, banning any activity amounting to “influence” within 150m of an abortion facility. The wording of the law is so vague that it could target pro-life volunteers for praying in their heads – even if they don’t say a word. (ADF International)

"I served for 20 years in the army reserves, including a tour in Afghanistan, to protect the fundamental freedoms that this country is built upon," Smith-Connor said in a statement. "I continue that spirit of service as a health care professional and church volunteer. It troubles me greatly to see our freedoms eroded to the extent that thoughtcrimes are now being prosecuted in the UK.”