Tommy Robinson Trial: Court Hears of Harassment Allegations Against Journalists

Political activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court after pleading not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The court heard allegations that Robinson shared photographs of a journalist's family online and threatened to visit his home.

According to prosecutor Ben Holt, the trial centers on Robinson's reaction to articles published by the Daily Mail in July 2024, which detailed his holiday in Cyprus. Holt accused Robinson of employing "bully-boy tactics" to intimidate the journalists.

In his statement to the court, Andrew Young recounted how his home address was allegedly leaked on X by an individual who appeared to be a Robinson supporter. Young also stated that he received a menacing phone call from someone who identified himself as Robinson, during which threats were made. Young testified that he believed the caller said, "I'm coming to get you."

Young's family reported seeing a grey Audi parked outside their home, with a man inside, on August 6, leading Young to believe Robinson was following through on his threats. Days later, Young's daughter reported that two men in a car shouted at her and that she believed they photographed her. Young stated that Robinson's actions caused his family "undue amount of stress."

The court also heard from the second alleged victim, Jacob Dirnhuber. Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court that Dirnhuber felt scared to be in public and eventually had to move house due to Robinson's alleged harassment. Dirnhuber's witness statement described the unrest following the Southport attack in July 2024, and his reporting on "far-right agitation" online linked to figures like Robinson, which had led to riots. Dirnhuber stated in his statement, read to the court, that he felt vulnerable and feared vigilante attacks, saying, "I feel I will be looking over my shoulder for a long time."

The case is ongoing.