By Karim Hammam
Political activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been found guilty of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against Daily Mail journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. A jury at Southwark Crown Court delivered the verdicts on 28 October 2026 after a week-long trial.
Background of the case
The charges stemmed from Robinson's reaction to Daily Mail articles published in August 2024 that showed him on holiday in Cyprus while riots erupted in England following the Southport murders. The court heard that Robinson used "bully-boy, intimidatory tactics" to frighten the reporters, forcing them to hire security or leave their homes.
Harassment campaign
Prosecutors said Robinson hired private investigators to locate and photograph the journalists' home addresses. He posted images of Dirnhuber outside his house and cropped photos of Young's family on social media. During a phone call with Young on 5 August 2024, Robinson said: "I'm coming to get you." He admitted wanting to "put pressure on" the journalists but denied intending to cause fear.
Verdict and sentencing
The jury rejected Robinson's defence that the Daily Mail had endangered his family by revealing his location. He was granted bail ahead of sentencing scheduled for 16 December. Harassment causing fear of violence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, or up to 14 years if racially or religiously aggravated.
Official responses
Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service said Robinson had "weaponised social media" to subject the journalists to a campaign of harassment. The Metropolitan Police stated that Robinson had issued threatening online posts knowing his followers would target the journalists, adding that such intimidatory behaviour is unacceptable and will be investigated.
