A man whose preaching took the form of homophobic rants directed at shoppers in Colchester has been released from Colchester Magistrates' Court without charge.

Paul Shaw was arrested after shouting about the "evil of homosexuality" outside Debenhams in Colchester. He was charged with using threatening behaviour but denied the charge.

Sixty-two-year-old Mr Shaw said in his defence:
"There is a consequence for the country and society if society does not appreciate the difference between right and wrong, particularly noticeable by homosexuality.

“As a nation, we are coming under God’s judgment which is not very far away in the future and there will be terrible consequences for this if it is not made unlawful again."

The case was dismissed by the judge as the prosecution couldn't provide written statements from the complainants. However, the judge said that if Mr Shaw carried on preaching in a similar vein he may well face a sentence.