Christian Preacher Warned Against Public Sermons Over ‘Distress’ Claims

A Christian street preacher in Guildford, England, faced official warnings from police for distributing religious materials through a speaker system, which authorities claimed caused “annoyance, upset, and distress” to the public. Ollie Sabatelli, known for his social media presence, was issued a “Community Protection Notice” in September and October 2025, with officers emphasizing that the issue lay not with his message but with the method of delivery using amplified sound.

During an encounter captured on video on October 2, 2025, a police officer cautioned Sabatelli: “You need to listen to me, if you breach this, you can be arrested and you will be arrested.” The officer cited concerns over “the content you are choosing to preach… and the choice of words,” alongside the use of a loudspeaker. However, when Sabatelli questioned whether he was banned from sharing religious teachings, the officer clarified that only the “manner” of his preaching—specifically the speaker system—was prohibited.

Sabatelli subsequently continued his public sermons using only his voice, avoiding amplification. The incident follows previous tensions in Brighton, where he was reportedly removed for addressing topics such as homosexuality, which he described as a sin under biblical teachings. The case highlights ongoing debates over religious expression and public order regulations in the UK.