A well-known lay preacher who frequently delivered sermons in Beverley town centre has been convicted of a racially and religiously aggravated public order offence.
Michael Jones, 75, of Ranby Crescent, Hornsea, was found guilty in court on 27 May 2025 in connection with an incident that took place on Toll Gavel in December 2023. According to Humberside Police, the conviction followed an investigation by the Beverley Neighbourhood Policing Team after members of the public raised concerns about Jones’ comments during one of his public appearances.
“Concerns were raised by distressed members of the public due to the nature of Michael Jones’ comments towards them,” a police statement said. “Extensive enquiries were conducted to gather evidence, which led to the conviction.”
The outcome has been welcomed by many local residents and social media users, with several online comments expressing relief that action had finally been taken.
Jones has been a figure in the area for years. In 2019, he denied previous accusations related to his preaching activities, as reported by the Hull Daily Mail.
Humberside Police have not disclosed details of the sentencing.
A horrible man who I have heard make homophobic remarks and direct his bile at individuals walking past him. I once confronted him as he made a remark directly to my child about children being inherently evil. My son was only about 7 at the time and was deeply traumatised by the incident. When I asked him not to speak to my child like that he just held up his bible to me and said ‘it’s true’
About time!!! He is a nuisance. He should be banned from coming to Beverley. Stay in Hornsea!!!!
About time he’s a nasty man calls himself a Christian and behaves like that I’ve clashed with him on a occasion if he doesn’t like your opinion on religion you want to see the abuse coming your way
Today he tried to force his leaflet on to my sister. She politely said no thank you and his response was ” get down on your knees and pray!”. How dare he think he can talk like that. My sister is unwell at the moment and going through a difficult time. Her husband intervened and said things to the fake “preacher “, and an bystander came over and shook my sister’s husband’s hand. We don’t need this man, here or anywhere. He reckons he’s a none collared vicar! This is such an insult to the real learned vicars. This man is rude, judgemental, and a hypocrite. He shouts at passer by’s. He is threatening and should be banned by the council and police. No one wants him there. If we want to hear bible quotes or scriptures, we will go to a decent and genuine place of worship. Why does he not “preach’ in his own home town or outside his home? Because he thinks no one knows him in Beverley. I saw him at the leisure centre in Hornsea once during my Aquafit class. He just sat there looking and judging us ladies. He always seem to target women or it seems in the above comment, children. Because he is a bully. He bullied my vulnerable sister. Something needs to be done.
This man is aggressive, rude and intimidating. I witnessed him go up to 2 elderly ladies, shoved his face as close as he could and shouted “ Hippocrates”!!! The ladies jumped out of their Skins. He needs to be banned from public places. When my elderly parents were on the public bus going to Beverley, it was a hot day, Covid was still around. The windows were open for ventilation. He got on and without asking anyone slammed the windows shut. So my parents said “ we’d like them open” he just ignored them and shouted “ I’m cold!!!” In an aggressive tone. He has since enlisted his wife to preach along side him for “immoral support”!! Nasty man.