A CHRISTIAN street preacher from Taunton has had his conviction for homophobic sermons overturned.

In March this year, Michael Overd, was convicted of breaching a public order offence at Bristol Crown Court following a two-day trial at Taunton Magistrates Court.

But on Friday, Mr Overd, 50, of Creech St Michael, had his conviction overturned after Judge David Ticehurst ruled that the Crown Prosecution Service had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the conviction against Mr Overd.

Taunton Crown Court heard from two witnesses who had given evidence at the original trial, before prosecutor Charley Pattison, said the CPS withdrew its case.

Judge Ticehurst said: “Perhaps instead of preaching on the streets, you could invite people into your home and shower them with tea and cake.

“There are homeless people who need that love and support, you might earn more souls for the kingdom then by shouting at them with a megaphone.”

The judge also suggested to Mr Overd that he preach in the streets without using any form of amplification.

Speaking after the case, Mr Overd said he felt a massive sense of relief and that he would continue to preach the word of God for his love of Christ.

He added: “God is good, he has been with me throughout this and I will continue to preach about the love of Christ.

“So many have come and encouraged me, but they never get to have their say in this.”

Mr Overd was back preaching in the town this week and said he has taken on board what the judge said about amplification and that he had changed certain aspects.

He added: “People don’t have a problem with how loud I am, I can be just as loud with my voice as I can with a microphone, it’s more the content of my message.

“I have said to the council many times I will work with them and have invited them out to hear the levels I preach at so they can tell me what volume I can go, but they never accept my offer.

“As long as I have breath in my body I will do what I can.

“I’m not a martyr, I just want to spread God’s message.”

Judge Ticehurst also awarded costs in favour of Mr Overd, who has regularly preached in Taunton town centre.