Full Breakdown
Tommy Robinson Convicted of Harassing Daily Mail Journalists
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Harassment Conviction of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon
A London jury at Southwark Crown Court found Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – known publicly as Tommy Robinson – guilty of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against Daily Mail journalist Andrew Young and editor Jacob Dirnhuber. The verdict was reached after 11 hours 25 minutes of deliberation, with a majority of 10 jurors to two on each charge. Robinson was granted bail pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 16.
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Related reporting
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Voicemail Tommy Robinson left on Daily Mail journalist's phone played in court
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Background: Southport murders and media coverage
On July 29 2024, three girls were murdered in Southport, sparking nationwide anti-immigration riots. Robinson claimed the article endangered his family, who were staying in a hotel near Ayia Napa.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
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03
Timeline of key events
- July 29 2024 – Southport murders occur; Robinson posts about the incident on social media.
- August 4 2024 – The Daily Mail publishes photos of Robinson in Cyprus; Robinson later hires private investigators to locate Young’s and Dirnhuber’s home addresses.
- August 5 2024 – Robinson makes a telephone call to Young, telling him “I’m coming to get you.”
- Jury delivers the guilty verdict.
- December 16 2026 – Scheduled sentencing hearing.
04
Legal Findings and Potential Penalty
Harassment causing fear of violence is an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. According to the sentencing guidelines cited by the court, the maximum custodial term for this offence is 10 years in prison, rising to 14 years if the conduct is racially or religiously aggravated. The judge, John Cavanagh, indicated he will consider “all options” at sentencing.
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Official Statements & Responses
- He added that the evidence showed Robinson targeted the victims directly and indirectly through social media, telephone calls, and published images of their families.
- Elon Musk, owner of X, was reported to have funded Robinson’s legal defence, a fact acknowledged by Robinson in a pre-trial social-media post.
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Verbatim Quotes
- “Stephen Lennon weaponised social media and subjected two journalists to a campaign of harassment which caused them serious fear of violence.” — Frank Ferguson
- “The jury heard from the victims and witnesses in this case, ultimately deciding that this behavior crossed the line into criminality,” — Frank Ferguson
- “I’m not threatening you with violence or anything like that,” — Mr Robinson, political activist
- “What I’m promising you is I’ll make you famous and your families because that’s what you’ve done to me.” — Prosecutor Ben Holt
- “Don’t worry I’ve already tracked each one of them” — Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, far-right british activist
- “Nobody should be made to fear violence because of the work they do. Journalists play an important role in a democratic society and should be able to carry out their professional duties without being subjected to harassment.” — Frank Ferguson
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What’s Next
Robinson remains on bail while a pre-sentence report is prepared. The sentencing hearing on December 16 will determine whether he receives a custodial term, a suspended sentence, or another form of penalty. The case has prompted renewed discussion about the protection of journalists from online intimidation.