Tommy Robinson denies harassing two journalists
Tommy Robinson has denied harassing two journalists causing them to ‘fear violence’ and elected to stand trial before a jury.
Robinson, whose real name real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, faces two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between 5 and 7 August last year.
The EDL founder, 42, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court wearing blue jeans, a beige Stone Island jacket and a cross-body bag.
He allegedly harassed the two reporters causing them to ‘fear violence would be used against them.’
The charges allege multiple posts by Robinson about the journalists on X, formerly Twitter and calls.
Robinson sipped from a bottle of water as the judge entered court.
He gave his name as Stephen Lennon, saying it is not Yaxley-Lennon.
Robinson then pleaded not guilty to the two charges and elected to have his trial at a crown court.
Prosecutor Ben Holt said: ‘It is alleged this defendant has harassed two journalists and their family members through the use of a Twitter or X account.
‘The alleged cause of conduct was trigged by publication in the Daily Mail of two news reports, one online and one in print on 4 August last year which made various allegations about this defendant and included photographs of this defendant and adult aquitances.
‘Those articles and photographs were put together by a freelance photographer and journalist who are the complainants in this case.
‘Those articles prompted social media posts and calls which are subject of the two charges in this case.
‘None of the defendant’s posts contain direct threats of violence but the prosecution case is the conduct of this defendant and others caused the journalists to fear violence and this defendant knew or ought to have known that was the case.’
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said the trial could take place at a magistrates court but Robinson opted to have a crown court trial before a jury.
He will appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 3 July.
The judge granted Robinson bail with three conditions.
He must not contact any prosecution witness directly or indirectly and must not post anything online which would identify them.
The third condition stated he is ‘not to publish any comment relating to current proceedings that may prejudice either parties to proceedings or proceedings themselves other than those permitted by the Crime and Disorder Act.’
The judge said: ‘You’ve exercised your right to have your trial before a jury and so you will do.
‘Your trial has been sent to the crown court at Southwark where you will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 3 July.
‘I am going to grant you conditional bail.’
Robinson was represented by barrister Alex Di Francesco at the brief hearing.
He arrived at court this morning surrounded by security guards in high-vis jackets as supporters and photographers crowded around him.
Robinson’s fans, wearing Union Jack suits and ‘Make Britain Great Again Hats’ arrived early to queue outside the courtroom for a seat.
Only 25 were allowed in court with 13 getting seats in the small public gallery.
The judge allowed other supporters to stand in the courtroom.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson earlier said: ‘We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, 42, with harassment causing fear of violence against two men.
‘The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.’
Robinson faces a separate trial for failing to provide his PIN number to police after he was arrested under ‘anti-terror laws’ at the Channel tunnel in Folkestone last summer.
