A street preacher dubbed ‘The Rasputin of The Bull Ring’ has been banned by a judge.
Stephen Tallon, 37, from King Street in Wexford, faced complaints from seven witnesses.
He claimed he had a right to free speech but Judge John Cheatle ruled he must not continue his open-air sermons.
Wexford District Court heard an application from Garda Supt Jim Doyle, who sought an order seeking to make Talon subject to a ban. Evidence was given that Tallon had expressed homophobic, racist and anti-abortion views in talks which lasted for hours.
Traders told how they were losing business as customers were turned off by the amplified speeches purporting to convey the word of God.
The judge heard five adult behaviour orders had been served Tallon since the beginning of June to no avail.
Garda Ciara Hayes gave evidence her dealings with the respondent were recorded by him, but the defendant denied he was taping proceedings.
Garda Richard Murray told how the street orator read a passage from Leviticus to him after businessman Jim O’Connor of Greenacres complained about “homophobic nonsense” being uttered in public.
Civilian witness Maeve Glover of Corcoran’s Menswear, said the sermons, which are amplified, put people in bad form and make some of them angry.
She told of how Tallon was persistent, often speaking twice a day for two hours at a time, saying that she found it distressing to listen to him for so long, while Paula Kehoe who has worked at the Sara King Boutique said he makes awful comments about people who are gay.
Diana Donnelly who has been running the Diana Donnelly Boutique for 47 years, described him as the ‘Rasputin of The Bull Ring’.
She said he rants and raves and has no regard for sensitivities.
In his defence, Tallon said street preaching is “a cornerstone of our society. People are entitled to hear the gospel”.
Judge Cheatle handed down an order prohibiting Tallon from preaching in the town.
The judge added: “You have to desist”, telling the superintendent not to hesitate in bringing any breach of the order to his attention.
