Tommy Robinson tells court he feared impact of Daily Mail story

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Political activist Tommy Robinson wept in court when asked how his children were affected by a Daily Mail article published while he was on holiday.

Tommy Robinson, who gave his full name in court as Stephen Lennon, became tearful when his defence counsel asked how his children were affected by a Daily Mail article. The 43-year-old said he was 'shocked and scared' when the newspaper and its sister publication MailOnline published a story about him in August 2024 whilst he was on a family holiday in Cyprus.

Robinson told Southwark Crown Court that when he became aware of the story, which carried the headline 'Stoking riots from his sunbed', his phone 'started going crazy with people messaging me'. He said he left his hotel and moved his family to a different location within the building after speaking with security.

The defendant said he hired private investigators to find the home addresses of freelance journalist Andrew Young and editor Jacob Dirnhuber and take photographs. Robinson said he wanted to track down the journalists to 'question them on camera' but did not want to cause harm to their families. He stated he wanted to 'put pressure on them', and told the court this was 'totally reasonable' under the circumstances.

How it is being reported

• Tommy Robinson sobs in court as he claims he was left 'terrified' on holidayTommy Robinson denies two counts of harassment causing fear of violence - the court previously heard he used 'bully-boy, intimidatory tactics' to frighten journalists with posts and messages on XThe Mirror · 22 Oct, 13:46
• Tommy Robinson weeps in court as he gives defence in journalist harassment trialThe political activist was called to the witness box by his defence barrister on Thursday.Evening Standard · 22 Oct, 12:50
• Tommy Robinson cries in court when asked how his family were affected by Daily Mail articleHe says he was ‘shocked and scared’ when the newspaper published a story about himThe Independent · 22 Oct, 12:42
• Tommy Robinson tells court he was panicked and terrified after Daily Mail storyThe political activist was called to the witness box by his defence barrister on Thursday.Evening Standard · 22 Oct, 12:00

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

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