Statement by TUV East Antrim Assembly candidate Councillor Ruth Wilson:
“Having sat under Pastor McConnell’s ministry for a number of years I can testify first hand to his love for truth and compassion for people from all backgrounds. I attended much of this trial and heard the evidence so it is no surprise to me that the Pastor has been acquitted.
“The PPS had no business brining this case in the first instance. Had the verdict gone the other way there would have been profound ramifications for freedom of speech and religion.
“It is a disgrace that a gentleman in his eight decade was hauled before the courts in this fashion.
“It is all the more outrageous when one remembers that the prosecution was brought following a complaint from someone who described ISIS controlled Mosul as “the most peaceful city in the world”!
“I am delighted that justice has been done and important victory has been won for freedom of speech and religion. Pastor McConnell deserves enormous credit for the manner in which he has faced the events of the last two years.”