Far-right figure Tommy Robinson convicted of harassing journalists
Controversial British far-right figure Tommy Robinson has been convicted of harassing two journalists and causing them to fear being subjected to violence.
Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was found guilty by a 10-2 majority on the two charges he faced, which related to his “retaliation” after the Daily Mail newspaper and its sister publication, MailOnline, published a story about him “stoking riots from his sunbed” during unrest in the UK in August 2024.
Tommy Robinson could serve 10 years behind bars after his conviction. Yui Mok/PA via AP
This followed the murder of three girls in Southport, where Robinson repeatedly posted on social media about the killings, which were shrouded in claims of misinformation about the identity of the attacker.
Robinson, who faces a potential term in prison of 10 years, was labelled a “bully” by prosecutors after freelance reporter Andrew Young and Daily Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber felt forced to either leave their homes or employ extra security for fear of a “vigilante” attack.
“The jury heard from the victims and witnesses in this case, ultimately deciding that this behaviour crossed the line into criminality,” Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter terrorism division, said.
Robinson had made a series of posts on social media about the unfolding situation while on holiday in Cyprus, prompting the newspaper to send Young and a photographer to the island.
After the MailOnline published its story about him, he posted criticism on his X account of Young and Dirnhuber because of their involvement in the article.
He also hired private investigators to find their home addresses, as well as that of editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail, Ted Verity.
As well as social media posts and direct messages to Dirnhuber, Robinson also became “increasingly menacing” on a telephone call with Young on August 5, 2024, telling him: “I’m coming to get you”.
Robinson, who shook his head quietly after the verdicts were given and stared at the jury, took to social media and called the verdicts “insane”.
His defence was funded by Tesla and X boss Elon Musk.
Justice John Cavanagh granted Robinson bail ahead of his sentencing hearing on December 16.
Pauline Hanson filmed a sit-down interview with Tommy Robinson in July. Twitter/TRobinsonNewEra
Before his conviction, the controversial figure had become associated with political and media figures in Australia.
Most notably, he met with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson during her visit to the UK in July.
Hanson, who said she was on a “fact finding mission” with Robinson, visited his hometown of Luton near London, where the pair saw Muslim businesses and confronted locals about migration.
“She’s destined to be the next leader of Australia, so she’s foreseeing a lot of the problems in the UK that are on their way to Australia,” Robinson said of Hanson in a snippet posted to his social media.
“So she’s come over. I’m going to show her my hometown.”
Robinson, right, with Karl Stefanovic. X
She later appeared on The Tommy Robinson Podcast.
Robinson also appeared on Karl Stefanovic’s podcast in June, before the former Today Show host exit from Nine.
Nine is the publisher of this website.
Robinson has previously been jailed for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court. He founded the now-collapsed Islamophobic far-right street protest group English Defence League in 2009.
Even after the group faded from view around 2013, he remained one of the most influential far-right figures in Britain and can still draw large crowds to the streets.
– with Associated Press
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