More details of Steve Maile arrest emerge

Further details in regards to the arrest of Pastor Steve Maile in Watford have emerged.

Footage of the arrest of Maile, the senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, went viral online.

According to the Christian Legal Centre, which is representing Maile, the assault allegations were dropped, but Maile stays under investigation for “alleged hate-related public order offences connected to comments critical of Islam and LGBT lifestyles”.

Maile denies that anything he said amounted to an incitement to hatred or violence against anyone. He also denied assaulting anyone.

“I only ever preach or paraphrase the Bible. I plead with people to come back to Jesus. I don’t attack individuals. I really like everyone,” he said. 

According to Maile, he had been publicly preaching for around 10 minutes when the police intervened. It was apparently his criticism of Islam’s sometimes violent past that led to the arrival of officers.

After being released on bail, Maile released a video on Facebook alleging mistreatment by the police, saying he was “absolutely brutalised and victimised by the British police” and that he was in “excruciating pain” during his arrest.

Adding a note of defiance to his post, Maile said, “You won’t ever ever stop Steve Maile from preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Maile later said he needed medical attention and splints as a consequence of injuries to his hands. The pastor also said that police didn’t explain the grounds of his arrest before he was forcibly taken to Watford Police Station.

He was held there for nearly half a day and alleges being denied access to bathroom facilities for prolonged periods. His family were also allegedly not informed about where he had been taken.

Maile said, “They have picked on the mistaken man. It was an awful experience being arrested in front of my family and youngsters. This is a gross injustice. I would like to be acquitted. I would like an apology. And I would like to make sure this doesn’t occur to anyone else. I’ll proceed to evangelise in Watford and I’m not afraid.”

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said, “Steve’s arrest is deeply troubling. A peaceful, Christian preacher was treated like a serious criminal for expressing his Christian beliefs and that Islam is a false religion in a public place.

“The footage raises fundamental questions on whether policing on this country is now criminalising Christianity while failing to use the law equally and consistently. We are supporting Steve as he seeks justice, accountability, and an apology.”

Hertfordshire said they might not be commenting on Maile’s arrest as a consequence of the continued police investigation.