Tommy Robinson pleads not guilty to harassment just days after prison release
The far-right activist has been dragged back to court just nine days after his prison release as he pleads not guilty to harassing two journalists and causing fear of violence
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was bailed today after denying harassing two journalists through his social media accounts.
Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pleaded not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
He is alleged to have harassed MailOnline journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber through his X account between August 5 and 7 2024. Robinson was bailed by Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring.
Robinson will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on July 3. Wearing a cream Stone Island jacket, blue jeans and a shoulder bag, Robinson smiled after he was bailed on Thursday. He spoke to confirm his date of birth and name at the hearing, giving it as "Stephen Lennon".
Robinson arrived at the London court to a hoard of photographers and reporters, with dozens of his supporters also present. Some of those outside the building were holding purple placards that read: "Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is the man. Tommy Robinson is the movement."
Robinson founded the English Defence League in 2009 and became the organisation's leader. He described it as being set up to oppose "radical Islam" and many of the EDL's members football club supporters in Luton, London, Bristol.
Robinson is facing a separate trial in October next year over an accusation that he failed to provide the pin for his mobile phone when stopped by Kent Police in Folkestone in July 2024.
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