Tommy Robinson charged with harassing journalists online

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson is accused of threatening two MailOnline journalists through X posts in August 2024.

Anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, 43, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against MailOnline reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The alleged offences took place through his X account between 5 and 7 August 2024.

At Southwark Crown Court on Monday, prosecutor Ben Holt told jurors that Robinson used 'bully-boy, intimidatory tactics' to frighten the journalists after perceiving 'an unnecessary intrusion into his holiday'. Robinson had travelled to Cyprus and MailOnline sent Young, an investigative journalist, with a photographer to cover the story about his whereabouts and activities. An article was published in print and online.

In response, photographs of Young's wife and children were posted on Robinson's X account, leading the Daily Mail to provide him with a close protection officer. Jacob Dirnhuber moved house because of the alleged harassment. Daily Mail correspondent George Odling also left his family home after becoming concerned about the publicity surrounding his colleagues. The newspaper's editor-in-chief Ted Verity provided police with evidence of a voicemail from someone identifying himself as 'Tommy Robinson' who allegedly said: 'I've already located every f***ing one of you.'

How it is being reported

• Robinson tried to frighten journalists, UK court toldA prosecutor has told jurors anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson threatened reporters after what he perceived to be an intrusion into his holiday.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 18:10
• Robinson tried to frighten journalists, UK court toldA prosecutor has told jurors anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson threatened reporters after what he perceived to be an intrusion into his holiday.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 18:10

In this story: Tommy Robinson · Stephen Yaxley-Lennon · Andrew Young · Jacob Dirnhuber · MailOnline · Southwark Crown Court · Cyprus

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