Tommy Robinson Jailed for 18 Months for Contempt of Court
Far-right Activist Breaches Injunction with False Claims Against Syrian Refugee
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail after admitting to contempt of court at Woolwich Crown Court.
The 41-year-old violated a High Court order by repeating false claims against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi.
The order, issued in 2021, banned Yaxley-Lennon from making defamatory statements after Hijazi won £100,000 in damages for previous false allegations.
Despite this, Yaxley-Lennon continued to disseminate the claims through online content viewed by millions, breaching the injunction ten times.
Judge Justice Johnson emphasized the importance of obeying court orders, stating that disregard for such orders undermines the rule of law.
Aidan Eardley KC, representing the Solicitor General, highlighted Yaxley-Lennon's deliberate and ongoing defiance.
Meanwhile, Yaxley-Lennon, a controversial figure who founded the English Defence League, argued that his actions were rooted in his belief in free speech.
The judge noted that the sentence could be reduced by four months if Yaxley-Lennon removes the offending material but expressed doubt about his compliance.
This is Yaxley-Lennon's fourth contempt case, and he will also face court in November for charges related to national security laws.
The 41-year-old violated a High Court order by repeating false claims against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi.
The order, issued in 2021, banned Yaxley-Lennon from making defamatory statements after Hijazi won £100,000 in damages for previous false allegations.
Despite this, Yaxley-Lennon continued to disseminate the claims through online content viewed by millions, breaching the injunction ten times.
Judge Justice Johnson emphasized the importance of obeying court orders, stating that disregard for such orders undermines the rule of law.
Aidan Eardley KC, representing the Solicitor General, highlighted Yaxley-Lennon's deliberate and ongoing defiance.
Meanwhile, Yaxley-Lennon, a controversial figure who founded the English Defence League, argued that his actions were rooted in his belief in free speech.
The judge noted that the sentence could be reduced by four months if Yaxley-Lennon removes the offending material but expressed doubt about his compliance.
This is Yaxley-Lennon's fourth contempt case, and he will also face court in November for charges related to national security laws.
