By Karim Hammam
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been found guilty of harassing two journalists to the point of causing fear of violence, a verdict that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Guilty verdict after two-day deliberation
A jury at Southwark Crown Court convicted Robinson on both counts of harassment causing fear of violence on Wednesday after two days of deliberation. The judge directed the jury that a majority verdict was acceptable. Robinson attended each day of the trial with a large number of supporters.
Intimidation campaign detailed
The charges related to Daily Mail journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The court heard that Robinson shared pictures of one journalist’s family online and declared he had “tagged and bagged” three reporters who worked on an article about his alleged role influencing unrest following the 2024 Southport murders. Dirnhuber and his partner fled their home, while Young and his family were assigned a close protection officer. A third journalist, George Odling, said his family escaped through a neighbour’s house fearing they were being followed by Robinson’s supporters.
Robinson’s “angry” and “retaliatory” posts began on 5 August 2024 after the Daily Mail published a story headlined “Stoking race riots from his sunbed” that located him at a hotel in Cyprus. In a post viewed 244,000 times on X, he questioned whether it would be acceptable to track down the journalists’ addresses and family details. He also called Young on 5 August 2024, saying: “I’m coming to get you.”
Sentencing set for December
Robinson is due back in court on 16 December for a sentencing hearing. Mr Justice Cavanagh said he would consider all options, including a custodial sentence, whether full or suspended. The Crown Prosecution Service said Robinson had “weaponised social media,” and a Daily Mail spokesperson described his behaviour as reprehensible.
