The process is the punishment. The magistrates are volunteers, 'ordinary people', (apparently), they'll go with what the police and CPS (state prosecutor) says. The Crown Court, where he was granted his appeal, is headed by a 'proper' judge and saw his sentence for what it was. But the damage is done. He'll probably carry on public preaching but many of those who might want to follow his example will be put off.

The process is the punishment. The magistrates are volunteers, 'ordinary people', (apparently), they'll go with what the police and CPS (state prosecutor) says. The Crown Court, where he was granted his appeal, is headed by a 'proper' judge and saw his sentence for what it was. But the damage is done. He probably carry on public preaching but many of those who might want to follow his example will be put off.