The City of London says two men have been convicted on public nuisance bylaw charges issued in 2019.
Steven Ravbar, 54, and Matthew Carapella, 36, were convicted Friday.
The men are known as London’s notorious, so-called street preachers, who have reportedly verbally harassed women on their gender, attire and appearance in public spaces, often in downtown.
The City says penalties issued by the court include fines of $3,500 to Ravbar and $3,750 to Carapella.
Get breaking National news
The pair were criminally charged after police allege they entered Elmwood Presbyterian Church on April 7, 2019 and began yelling at female parishioners during a church service.
The church’s reverend, Andrew Fullerton, told 980 CFPL at the time that two men entered the church, sat near the back, and began shouting after the sermon.
The criminal matter was slated to go to trial in late May of 2020, with Carapella and Ravbar representing themselves, however the date was vacated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The safety of women and children is a key pillar of City Council’s strategic plan,” said Orest Katolyk, the City’s director of municipal compliance.
“We hope these convictions send a strong message that this type of abusive and insulting language… will not be tolerated,” he added.
— With files from 980 CFPL’s Matthew Trevithick
-
![]()
Women describe reporting a Kelowna RCMP officer for alleged abuse of power -
![]()
Saskatoon police warn of unsubstantiated abduction, harassment claims on social media -
![]()
Calgary restaurant steps up security following social media reports of women being attacked, harassed -
![]()
Freeland apologizes to women harassed in military
- Ottawa apologizes, announces $45M compensation for Nunavik Inuit dog slaughter
- Nations have agreed to $300B for climate funding. How will they pay for it?
- Canada Post says no ‘major breakthrough’ in talks as strike enters 2nd week
- Nova Scotia Tories appear safe with Liberals, NDP battling for second: polls
Comments