Robinson trial told photographs of journalist’s family appeared on his X account

Witness statements read to Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday described how two journalists feared violence after the Daily Mail reported on Tommy Robinson’s holiday in Cyprus during the unrest that followed the 2024 Southport killings. The court also heard that photographs of reporter Andrew Young’s family had been posted on Robinson’s X account. [1] [2]

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, denies two charges of harassment causing fear of violence against Young and Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber. The allegations concern events between 5 and 7 August 2024. [2] [4]

Young said a man who introduced himself as Robinson called him, grew “increasingly menacing” and said he had researched Young’s family. The caller threatened to publish their pictures and come to Young’s home, he said. Young’s statement added: “I believe he said the words ‘I’m coming to get you’.” Prosecutor Ben Holt told jurors the Mail gave Young a close protection officer after photographs of his family were posted on Robinson’s X account. [2] [4]

Young also said an anonymous X account published his home address. He feared Robinson’s followers might seek revenge against him or his family. Dirnhuber said he and his partner left their home after Robinson tweeted a picture of him, staying in a hotel while security arrangements were made. [2] [3]

At the trial’s opening, Holt told jurors that Robinson’s position was that the Mail’s coverage had endangered his own family and that he had acted reasonably to protect them. Dirnhuber said the newspaper had not published identifiable pictures of Robinson’s children. The trial continues. [4] [2]