The verdict on pastor James McConnell, who is accused of making "grossly offensive" remarks about Islam, will not be delivered until next month.

The evangelical preacher from Belfast has denied two charges relating to a sermon he delivered where he said Muslims were "heathen", and Islam was a "satanic" religion "spawned in hell".

The founder of Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle is facing two charges - improper use of a public electronic communications network and causing a grossly offensive message to be sent by means of a public electronic communications network - after the sermon was broadcast online.

The prosecution lawyer said McConnell was "not on trial for his beliefs" but for what he said and for using grossly offensive language.

His words were not "a slip of the tongue," the court heard.

However the defence barrister said McConnell should be recognised for his good works in society and not convicted.

Earlier the pastor had given his defence for over an hour and a half telling the court he did not go to church to "provoke anyone," although he still believed everything he said in his sermon.

"I was attacking the theology of Islam. I was not attacking any individual Muslim," he told the court.

"I didn't realise that good Muslim people would be hurt.

"I didn't go into the church to provoke anyone. I went into church to present the truth."

McConnell previously rejected the opportunity to accept a lesser sentence which would have avoided a court trial.

"If I took that, it would be an insult to the one that I love, for I was standing up for him, for his gospel and for his truth," he explained. "If I took that informed warning that would be me gagged.

"I will take my stand no matter what happens here today," he said before the case began.

The evangelical pastor is supported by DUP MP Sammy Wilson and Catholic priest Patrick McCafferty who appeared as character witness.

The verdict is expected on 5 January.