Springer show judgement reserved

David Soul played Jerry Springer in the BBC Two broadcast

The BBC will have to wait to see if it will be prosecuted for screening Jerry Springer - The Opera in 2005.

The High Court reserved judgement on whether Christian activist Stephen Green should be allowed to bring a private prosecution for blasphemy.

The Christian Voice director had hoped to overturn a court ruling forbidding him from suing BBC director general Mark Thompson and producer Jon Thoday.

He had argued the musical contained images that "vilify God and the Bible".

Judges said the court would take time to consider the case and deliver a written verdict at a later date.

Complaints

The BBC received a record 63,000 complaints when the musical - a satire based on US TV host Jerry Springer's controversial talk show - was broadcast on BBC Two in January 2005.

The corporation also received many messages of support for screening the musical, which includes scenes set in Hell with Jesus and Satan.

Mr Green launched the action in January only to have it refused by the City of Westminster magistrates court.

Michael Gledhill QC, appearing for Mr Green, argued the district judge had made a mistake as the show had clearly "crossed the blasphemy threshold".

Jerry Springer himself was in London last weekend to accept an award from the Variety Club of Great Britain.