Tommy Robinson Guilty of Harassing Journalists
Last updated 2026-10-28 15:00 UTC. Built from BBC News (14:58 UTC), the Guardian (14:39 UTC), Irish Examiner, GB News, Press Gazette, and Southwark Crown Court proceedings.
What happened
A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Tommy Robinson guilty on 28 October 2026 of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence. Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, 43, targeted two MailOnline journalists after they covered his activities during the August 2024 UK riots. Jurors deliberated for 11 hours and 25 minutes before returning a majority verdict of 10 to 2 on both counts. Robinson was granted bail and will be sentenced on 16 December 2026.
2Charges found guilty: harassment causing fear of violence
10Jurors who voted guilty out of 12
Date of verdict
28 October 2026
Court
Southwark Crown Court, London
Sentencing date
16 December 2026, Southwark Crown Court
Alleged offences
5 to 7 August 2024
Victim 1
Andrew Young, freelance reporter for MailOnline
Victim 2
Jacob Dirnhuber, editor at MailOnline
Jury deliberation
11 hours 25 minutes
Verdict majority
10 to 2
Maximum sentence
10 years (Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.4)
What Robinson did
The case stemmed from a MailOnline story published in August 2024 reporting that Robinson had posted on social media about the Southport riots while on holiday in Cyprus. After the article appeared, Robinson made a phone call to Young in which he said "I'm coming to get you" and sent a direct message to Dirnhuber saying "I'll be knocking at your door." He hired private investigators to locate the home addresses of both journalists and MailOnline editor-in-chief Ted Verity. Photographs of Dirnhuber's home and cropped images of Young's wife and children were posted on Robinson's X account. The Daily Mail provided Young with a close protection officer; Dirnhuber moved house.
"Nobody should be made to fear violence because of the work they do.
"Prosecutor Ben Holt at Southwark Crown Court
Robinson's defence
Robinson told the jury he hired investigators to find the journalists so he could "question them on camera" and said he wanted to "put pressure on them." He denied intending to cause fear of violence. The jury rejected his account.
Previous convictions
Robinson has five prior prison terms. In 2018, he was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court after live-streaming outside a criminal trial. In 2019, a further nine-month sentence followed for a separate contempt. In 2024, he was jailed for 18 months after admitting ten breaches of a High Court order in a libel case brought by a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him. He also has convictions for assault, mortgage fraud, and passport offences.
What we do not know yet
The court has not yet indicated what sentence it will impose. The prosecution has not stated whether it will seek a restraining order preventing contact with the journalists. Robinson remains on bail pending sentencing. It is not yet confirmed whether he will appeal the conviction.
What to watch next
- Sentencing hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 16 December 2026.
- Whether the judge imposes a custodial sentence, given Robinson's prior prison record.
- Whether the prosecution applies for a restraining order protecting the journalists.
- Whether Robinson lodges an appeal against the conviction.
- Reaction from the Press Freedom bodies and MailOnline following the verdict.
How we know this. Verdict and deliberation time: BBC News (14:58 UTC, 28 October 2026), the Guardian (14:39 UTC), Irish Examiner. Charges and offence dates: Press Gazette, CPS charge authorisation statement. Evidence details: Irish Examiner, Press Gazette, Shropshire Star (PA Media), GB News. Previous convictions: Gulf News (2024 sentence), Fox News (contempt history). Sentencing date: Irish Examiner. Maximum sentence: legislation.gov.uk (s.4, Protection from Harassment Act 1997, as amended by P
