Tommy Robinson denies harassing Mail journalists as trial opens

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, went on trial at Southwark Crown Court on Monday 19 October. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against Mail journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The charges concern alleged conduct between 5 and 7 August 2024. [1] [2]

The case follows the Mail’s coverage of Robinson’s holiday in Cyprus after the Southport killings in July 2024. Robinson accused the newspaper of revealing where he was staying with his children. The jury was told that he says the coverage put his family in danger and that he acted to protect them. Jurors were also told the Mail had published no identifiable photographs of his children. [1]

Opening the prosecution case, Ben Holt said Robinson had tried to frighten the journalists by arranging for people to go to their homes and circulating images of the properties on X. Holt said Dirnhuber received direct messages including “I’ll be knocking at your door”. He alleged that, in a call with Young, Robinson recited Young’s home address and said he would visit. According to Holt, Dirnhuber had to move house and the Mail provided Young with a close protection officer. [1] [4]

Young’s address was also posted by another X account. AFP reported, in a dispatch published by the Times of Malta, that the account had not been linked to Robinson. Holt argued that Robinson would have known his followers might join in targeting the journalists. [1] [5]

Mr Justice Cavanagh told jurors that Robinson’s political views were not on trial. The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday morning. [1] [4]