Street Preacher's Arrest Sparks Belfast Tensions

0:00It's April 2nd, Europe news today starts now, AI-powered and pan-European. I'm Cory with the story. A 61-year-old street preacher from Belfast faces charges after a heated clash outside City Hall last month. Colin Houston is accused of hurling abuse at Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty, Council Security, and later injuring two police officers during an arrest. Attempt. Prosecutors say it all kicked off on March 23rd when he was preaching with a loud speaker and a Jesus flag. Houston allegedly started by yelling slurs at an elderly passerby, then turned on Doherty, blaming him for city troubles and threatening comuppance. The deputy mayor, who's held the role since last June, backed away fearing a physical attack. Security staff tried to get him to remove his flag from the railings, but he hid back with more foul language aimed at them. When police tracked him down later in the city center, things escalated fast. He resisted arrest, leading to disorderly behavior charges and assaults on three officers,

1:00two of whom got hurt. Houston admitted some interaction with Doherty, but denied the worst of it, claiming he only called security, mild names. In high court, his lawyer pushed for bail, noting the case would likely stay at lower levels and that he needs to care for his elderly mom. The judge agreed but set strict rules. No contact with Doherty and a full ban from the city center. This case highlights tensions around public preaching in Belfast, with Houston's trial set to unpack the details ahead.