Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, is confronting fresh legal challenges that could result in imprisonment. The far-right activist, who gained notoriety as the co-founder of the English Defence League (EDL), is accused of violating a High Court injunction issued in 2021.
The Attorney General's Office has confirmed the filing of a new contempt of court application against Robinson. This action stems from statements he allegedly made in June and July 2024, which are believed to contravene the existing court order. The injunction in question was established following Robinson's unsuccessful legal battle with Jamal Hijazi, a Syrian refugee who had initiated a libel suit against him.
Robinson's legal troubles date back to 2018 when he disseminated a video depicting Hijazi being assaulted by another student in a Huddersfield school playground. This incident led to the libel case that Robinson ultimately lost in 2021.
The current situation is further complicated by Robinson's absence from legal proceedings. Earlier this year, he departed from the country prior to a scheduled court appearance related to separate contempt allegations linked to the same injunction. The High Court was informed last month that Robinson had committed "flagrant" contempt of court in connection with a film titled "Silence," which he presented at a Trafalgar Square demonstration.
"It is believed Robinson left the jurisdiction hours after being released on unconditional bail following his arrest."
The latest contempt application, submitted on behalf of Sarah Sackman, the solicitor general, was filed on August 19, 2024. Robinson was served with this application via his X account on August 23, 2024. Both this new application and the previous one are set to be heard in the High Court on October 28, 2024.
This is not Robinson's first encounter with contempt charges. In May 2018, he was found in contempt of court for filming and live-streaming footage of defendants in a criminal trial outside Leeds Crown Court, violating reporting restrictions. This led to a complex legal process, including an initial 13-month sentence, a successful appeal, and a subsequent re-sentencing in July 2019.
Robinson, born on November 27, 1982, has a history of involvement in far-right and anti-Islam movements in the UK. His activities have sparked numerous controversies and legal issues, including convictions for assault, drug possession, and fraud. He has been banned from several social media platforms for hate speech and has run as an independent candidate in European Parliament elections.
The ongoing legal battles surrounding Robinson have ignited debates about free speech, hate speech, and media regulations in the UK. His actions and statements continue to polarize public opinion, leading to both support and opposition across the country.
As the October court date approaches, the case against Robinson highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing freedom of expression with legal and social responsibilities in the digital age.