By Islam El-Sakka
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, 43, has been found guilty of harassing two Daily Mail journalists and causing them to fear violence, following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday after 11 hours and 25 minutes of jury deliberation, convicted Robinson on two counts of harassment by a majority of 10 to two.
Guilty verdict after 11-hour deliberation
Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Lennon, was labelled a “bully” by prosecutors. The jury heard that he retaliated after the Daily Mail and MailOnline published an article accusing him of “stoking riots from his sunbed” during unrest in the UK in August 2024. While on holiday in Cyprus, Robinson posted about the situation on social media, prompting the newspaper to send freelance reporter Andrew Young and a photographer to the island.
Campaign of intimidation
After the story’s publication, Robinson attacked Young and Daily Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber on his X account. He hired private investigators to locate the home addresses of the journalists and of Daily Mail editor-in-chief Ted Verity. Photographs of Dirnhuber outside his home and cropped images of Young’s family were posted online by Robinson. In a phone call on 5 August 2024, Robinson told Young: “I’m coming to get you.”
Victims forced to flee homes
The harassment forced Young to receive close protection and Dirnhuber to move house. Daily Mail correspondent George Odling also left his family home due to safety concerns. Verity provided police with a voicemail from Robinson stating: “I’ve already located every f****** one of you.” Robinson had previously thanked Elon Musk on X for funding his legal fees.
Sentencing set for December
The judge said he would consider “all options,” with the offence carrying a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Robinson was granted bail ahead of sentencing on 16 December. The Crown Prosecution Service said Robinson had “weaponised social media” in a campaign that crossed the line into criminality. The Daily Mail welcomed the verdict, stating that Robinson’s behaviour was reprehensible and had grave consequences for its reporters and their families.
