Full Breakdown
Tommy Robinson Faces Harassment Trial Over Threats to MailOnline Journalists
By Drooid · · How we work
The Trial’s Core Allegations
Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against MailOnline reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. Prosecutors say Robinson used his X account between 5 and 6 August 2024 to post the journalists’ home addresses, share redacted photographs of their residences, and send direct messages that threatened physical visits. An alleged telephone call on 5 August 2024 reportedly included the statement, “I’m coming to get you.” The prosecution argues the conduct forced the journalists to employ security and, in one case, to leave their homes.
Background & Context
The alleged harassment followed intense media scrutiny after the Southport massacre in July 2024, in which three teenage girls were stabbed to death. Robinson’s supporters framed the coverage as an “unnecessary intrusion into his holiday,” prompting the alleged retaliatory posts. Robinson, who founded the English Defence League, has a history of confrontations with the press and maintains a following of more than two million on X.
Timeline of Key Events
- 5 August 2024 – Robinson posts on X, shares journalists’ addresses, and sends threatening messages; a phone call to Young allegedly includes “I’m coming to get you.”
- 6 August 2024 – Young returns to Suffolk and reports a grey Audi parked outside his house; his family reports a man pointing a camera at their home.
- 9 December 2024 – Police interview Robinson; he gives “no comment.”
- 5 June 2025 – Robinson pleads not guilty to the two harassment charges at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
- 19 October 2026 – Robinson appears at Southwark Crown Court as the five-day trial begins.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Two counts of harassment causing fear of violence.
- Period of alleged conduct: 5–6 August 2024.
- Followers on X: Over two million.
- Potential sentence: Up to six months imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Mr Justice Cavanagh instructed the jury to set aside any personal views of Robinson’s political activism or of the Daily Mail, stating that the trial concerns only the alleged harassment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This trial is about the defendant’s reaction to this, what he perceived to be, unnecessary intrusion into his holiday,” — Ben Holt — Ben Holt, prosecutor
- “He said that he had Mr Young’s telephone number,” — Mr Holt — Ben Holt, prosecutor
- “As a result, the journalists feared for their own personal safety and also for their own family, either being forced to leave home or employ security personnel to watch their home address.” — Prosecutor Ben Holt — Ben Holt, prosecutor
- “What he did, we say, was to intimidate those journalists.” — Ben Holt — Ben Holt, prosecutor
- “I’ll be knocking at your door.” — Jacob Dirnhuber, daily mail reporter — Jacob Dirnhuber, Daily Mail reporter
What’s Next
The trial is scheduled to run for five days, with the jury deliberating after the closing statements. No further court dates have been announced.