Connolly v DPP

Connolly v. DPP [2007] EWHC 237 (Admin); [2008] 1 W.L.R. 276, is an English criminal law case, decided with reference to the Human Rights Act 1998.

Facts

Veronica Connolly sent graphic images of aborted foetuses to pharmacies. She was a Roman Catholic who objected to the morning-after pill. She was prosecuted under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. She held that the prosecution violated her right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. She was represented by Paul Diamond.

Judgment

Her appeal against prosecution was dismissed. Under the Human Rights Act 1998, the restriction on her "freedom of expression" was justified because the images were grossly indecent and offensive. The restriction was for the protection of the rights of others, in accordance with the exception of Art.9 ECHR.

See also

• UK employment discrimination law
• UK labour law
• Human Rights Act 1998