Talking about his new ginger beard, he said ‘I look like a little cowardly convert. Salaam alaikum’ – Arabic for peace be unto you. He revealed that he was visited by an imam every day but it took 16 days for a Christian to visit him. Robinson was jailed for filming defendants in a grooming trial and life-streaming it on Facebook.

The footage almost caused the collapse of a paedophile grooming gang trial. He remained defiant as he came out of prison saying he did not believe he was in contempt of court because he did not intend to commit the crime.

He was released after serving nine weeks after a court imposed a nine-month jail term following the incident outside Leeds Crown Court.

Speaking after the sentencing, the Attorney General said: ‘Today’s sentencing of Yaxley-Lennon serves to illustrate how seriously the courts will take matters of contempt. ‘Posting material online that breaches reporting restrictions or risks prejudicing legal proceedings has consequences, and I would urge everyone to think carefully about whether their social media posts could amount to contempt of court.’

Robinson arrived late at court for sentencing carrying an overnight bag and wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words: ‘Convicted of journalism.’ He changed his shirt once inside as he faced judges.

At the start of the hearing, his barrister Richard Furlong apologised for his client’s late arrival, blaming ‘a number of people outside who are here to support him’. Dame Victoria replied: ‘Well, it’s not a very good start, is it?’

The former English Defence League founder was found in contempt in three respects when he filmed men accused of the sexual exploitation of young girls, in breach of a reporting ban, outside Leeds Crown Court in May 2018.

He has 11 previous convictions for violence, public order offences, fraud and disobedience of court orders. After he was found in contempt, Robinson released a video of himself begging President Donald Trump to grant him ‘political asylum’ in the US, claiming he would be killed if he was put in prison in Britain.

He said: ‘I beg Donald Trump, I beg the American government, to look at my case. I feel like I’m two days away from being sentenced to death in the UK.’ His appeal continued: ‘I need evacuation from this country because dark forces are at work.’

As he was led to the cells at the Old Bailey, Robinson winked at the public gallery and put his fingers up in a V sign for victory. Robinson’s barrister Richard Furlong raised the possibility of an appeal against the court’s decision on contempt and was told he has 28 days from today to apply.

Outside court, Robinson’s supporters booed as news of his sentence filtered through. The crowd marched towards the Old Bailey chanting ‘we want Tommy out’ again before some began pelting police with drinks bottles and cans. Officers donned their helmets as violent clashes erupted.