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Tommy Robinson Trial: Harassment Fear of Violence Charges Proceed

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 10:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

British activist Tommy Robinson is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for two harassment-causing-fear of violence counts.
Robinson hired investigators to obtain journalists Andrew Young’s and Jacob Dirnhuber’s home addresses and posted their photos on X.
Prosecutor Ben Holt said Robinson’s tactics frightened the journalists and their families, prompting a close-protection officer for Young.
Robinson told the court he was panicked after a Daily Mail story and wept when asked about his children.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, Irish journalist Veronica Guerin was murdered by the Dublin underworld after the criminal gang she investigated threatened her family. The Gardaí launched a €2 million, three-year investigation, securing 14 convictions and a €500,000 settlement for her relatives in total. Similarly, British activist Tommy Robinson faces trial at Southwark Crown Court for posting journalists Andrew Young’s and Jacob Dirnhuber’s addresses, actions prosecutors say frightened them. The proceeding highlights renewed legal focus on protecting reporters in the United Kingdom, echoing past demands for stronger safeguards after Guerin’s killing.

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Story summary

British activist Tommy Robinson is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for two harassment-causing-fear of violence counts.
Robinson hired investigators to obtain journalists Andrew Young’s and Jacob Dirnhuber’s home addresses and posted their photos on X.
Prosecutor Ben Holt said Robinson’s tactics frightened the journalists and their families, prompting a close-protection officer for Young.
Robinson told the court he was panicked after a Daily Mail story and wept when asked about his children.

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