Tommy Robinson trial: 'Bully-boy tactics' used against journalists, court told

Activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been accused of employing "bully-boy, intimidatory tactics" against two MailOnline journalists. The jury at Southwark Crown Court heard on Monday that Robinson allegedly threatened reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber through a series of messages and social media posts in August 2024.

Prosecutor Ben Holt stated that Robinson reacted angrily after journalists travelled to Cyprus to report on his whereabouts during the Southport disorder. An article was published detailing his location while unrest spread across the UK following the Southport murders in July 2024. Mr Holt told the jury that Robinson's actions were intended to intimidate the journalists, including circulating images of their homes to his millions of followers and encouraging his supporters to become involved.

Allegations of direct threats

The court heard that on August 5 2024, Mr Dirnhuber received direct messages from Robinson between 4am and 4pm. These messages allegedly included phrases such as "I'll be knocking at your door", "Let your bosses know I'm coming to all of your houses", and "Okay got your address". Later messages reportedly stated, "We need to talk."

Mr Young also reported receiving menacing communications. According to prosecutor Ben Holt, Robinson told Mr Young over the phone that he would "have to move house" after coming to his home address. Mr Young stated that Robinson raised his voice, swore, and shouted, claiming he had been researching Mr Young's family and threatening to publish photographs and addresses online. Mr Young believes Robinson said, "I'm coming to get you."

The prosecution does not claim a direct link between Robinson and specific social media accounts that posted the journalists' home addresses. However, Mr Holt argued that it was "inevitable" that Robinson's followers would act on his posts, heightening the worry for the journalists involved. Robinson's defence is that his family had been put in danger by the Daily Mail's actions and that his conduct was reasonable in an effort to protect them.

Court proceedings

Robinson, who founded the English Defence League, has pleaded not guilty to charges of harassment causing fear of violence. These charges relate to X posts, direct messages, and an alleged telephone call on August 5 2024. The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to continue for five days. Robinson has previously posted on X that his legal fees have cost him £400,000, funded by Tesla owner Elon Musk.