Full Breakdown
Tommy Robinson’s Harassment Trial Over Journalist Intimidation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – known publicly as Tommy Robinson – is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against Daily Mail journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The prosecution alleges that, after a Daily Mail front-page story linking him to the August 2024 riots that followed the Southport murders, Robinson hired private investigators, posted photographs of the journalists’ homes on his X account and sent direct messages and a telephone call that threatened the reporters and their families. The journalists were forced to employ security measures, relocate, or consider leaving their homes.
Background & Context
In July 2024 three schoolgirls were murdered in Southport, sparking nationwide unrest. Robinson claimed the article disclosed his location and that the paper had published a photo of his ex-wife, prompting him to “track down” the journalists who reported the story.
Timeline
- August 4, 2024 – Robinson posted on X accusing the Mail of leaking his holiday location and warned that his followers might “kill” him.
- August 5, 2024 – Robinson is alleged to have called Young, reciting Young’s address and saying he would “come to get you.” Young was still in Cyprus when his home address was posted by an anonymous X account.
- August 6, 2024 – Young’s family reported a grey Audi parked outside their Suffolk home and a man taking photographs.
- October 22, 2024 – Robinson appeared in court, gave evidence and pleaded not guilty.
Data & Statistics
- Robinson’s X account has more than two million followers (court description).
- The prosecution cites 800,000 followers as a factor in Young’s fear of retaliation.
- Two counts of harassment causing fear of violence are pending.
Official Statements & Responses
He emphasized that Robinson’s posts “inevitably” prompted supporters to target the journalists.
Robinson denied that his actions were intended to intimidate. He told the court that hiring investigators was “totally reasonable” and that he was “panicked” and “terrified” after the Mail story. He asserted he wanted to “question them on camera” and that he had “no other options.”
The judge instructed jurors to set aside any views on Robinson’s politics, stressing that the trial concerns only the alleged harassment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Follower count: The prosecution cited 800,000 followers as a threat factor, while the court record describes Robinson’s audience as “more than two million.” Both figures appear in different source statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The entire situation, I wish didn’t happen, I wish that none of that had happened,” — Tommy Robinson
- “My main concern was that while he may not physically harm me, he had 800,000 followers on X at the time who might have been tempted to seek revenge on me or my home or my family for what I had written,” — Andrew Young
- “I’m just saying, under the circumstances I had no other options.” — Tommy Robinson
What’s Next
The five-day trial is ongoing, with further witness testimony and cross-examination scheduled. The court will deliver a verdict after the final day of evidence.