News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Dale-Mcalpine-street-preacher-Main_article_image.png
Christian Institute
UK News

Street preacher receives £4,000 pay out for wrongful arrest

Dale McAlpine was arrested in Kendal town centre last year and held for questioning at Kendal Police Station.

After being released without bail, McAlpine waited six months for police to inform him he would not be prosecuted.

The Christian Institute has called the incident "a gross overreaction from the police" and supported McAlpine in a claim for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment.

Cumbria Police has opted to settle the claim out of court.

McAlpine, who has been street preaching across the UK for 14 years said: "I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His message of salvation and I want everyone to hear about it.

"I took this legal action to help the police realise you cannot arrest people just for preaching the Gospel."

The Christian Institute has dubbed the recent pay out a "positive outcome for Christians across the country".

Simon Calvert, Deputy Director for Public Affairs said: "Our country has a rich heritage of free speech, for preachers and for everybody else.

"This needs cherishing and protecting and that requires the police to actively train their officers to stand up for free speech, including speech they don't like, or that is unfashionable."

The preacher has been involved in a number of similar cases in which he has been arrested and detained for preaching.

Following one incident in Workington town centre in 2010, McAlpine was awarded £7,000 for wrongful arrest, unlawful imprisonment and breach of his human rights.

McAlpine, who says he couldn't have taken this stand without the help of the Christian Institute plans to donate the £4,000 to the organisations Legal Defence Fund "to help Christians to fight for religious liberty."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate