Tommy Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to showing a defamatory video of a Syrian refugee, defying a High Court order. Aged 41, the far-right figure breached the order during a rally in Trafalgar Square in July last year when he aired the video to his followers.
In 2021, the refugee successfully sued Robinson for libel after he made false allegations. The court prohibited Robinson from airing the video, but he ignored this directive. During a two-day hearing at Woolwich Crown Court, the Solicitor General’s lawyers accused Robinson of disrespecting the court and undermining the law by showing the video.
The video, a documentary titled ‘Silenced’, depicts an assault on a refugee in a Huddersfield school playground. Despite a judge’s warning that broadcasting it would be contempt of court, Robinson continued to share it. After the refugee won the libel case, Robinson was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages and costs. Yet, he challenged authorities to take legal action after playing the film at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square.
Tommy Robinson sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt of court.
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Robinson kept the video pinned on his social media profile and reiterated the claims in three interviews in 2023. He posted on his account, claiming he would be jailed for revealing what he called “the inconceivable truth.”
The Solicitor General filed two claims of contempt earlier this year, stating Robinson knowingly violated the order multiple times. Robinson appeared in court in a grey suit and waistcoat, acknowledging his breaches when questioned by Mr Justice Johnson.
Additionally, Robinson was remanded in custody for not providing his mobile phone access code to police, as required under the Terrorism Act 2000. Thousands rallied in central London in his support, but he missed the protest due to his custody status.
Contempt of court involves actions that might unfairly affect a legal case, such as disobeying court orders or making public comments about ongoing cases. Protesters marched with placards and chants, expressing their support for Robinson.
Robinson was initially released on unconditional bail in July, allowing him to leave the country. The High Court didn’t prevent his departure, and Mr Justice Johnson issued a warrant for his arrest, delaying its execution until October to see if Robinson would voluntarily attend the next hearing or apply to cancel the warrant.
Robinson returned to the UK on 20 October, surprised by the lack of immediate arrest. His application to cancel the warrant was dismissed. After admitting 10 breaches of the court order, he received his sentence.
Following Robinson’s admission, Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate remarked on Robinson’s defiance of the law, highlighting an extensive dossier showing Robinson’s profiting from the refugee’s suffering. As recently as June, Robinson denied wrongdoing, but the evidence presented was overwhelming.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports that Tommy Robinson, a British far-right activist, is jailed for 18 months for violating court rules by repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee, emphasizing the seriousness of his breaches and the rule of law.(read more)
- Politico.eu reports that Tommy Robinson was jailed for contempt of court after admitting to repeating libelous claims about a Syrian refugee schoolboy, Jamal Hijazi, despite a previous court injunction.(read more)
- BBC reports that Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist, has been jailed for 18 months for contempt of court by reiterating false claims against a Syrian refugee, violating a High Court injunction.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Tommy Robinson sentenced to 18 months in prison?
He defied a High Court order by showing a defamatory video of a Syrian refugee.
What was the video about?
The video depicted an assault on a refugee at a Huddersfield school playground.
Did Tommy Robinson admit to breaching the court order?
Yes, he admitted to 10 breaches of the court order.
Why didn’t Tommy Robinson get arrested immediately upon return to the UK?
The High Court delayed executing the arrest warrant to see if he’d voluntarily attend the hearing.
What additional charge did Robinson face related to his mobile phone?
He was remanded for not providing his mobile phone access code under the Terrorism Act 2000.
