Tommy Robinson convicted of harassing journalists after Southport attacks

Tommy Robinson found guilty of using intimidatory tactics to threaten two journalists, forcing them to flee their homes. He faces up to ten years in prison.

Tommy Robinson convicted of harassing journalists in wake of Southport attacks

Tommy Robinson — real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — has been found guilty of harassment causing fear of violence against two journalists, a jury at Southwark Crown Court decided on Thursday.

The far-right activist, 43, shook his head as the verdict was delivered. He faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison when he is sentenced in December.

According to The Sun, Robinson "weaponised social media" to intimidate investigative reporter Andrew Young and Daily Mail journalist Jacob Dirnhuber in the days following the Southport massacre.

Prosecutors told jurors that Robinson sent photographers to the home addresses of both men and then shared the images — described as "redacted" — on X for the "enjoyment and appreciation of his followers".

Prosecutor Ben Holy told the court: "As a result, the journalists feared for their own personal safety and also for their own family, either being forced to leave home or employ security personnel to watch their home address."

Posts from Cyprus

At the time of the posts, Robinson was on holiday in Cyprus with his family and friends. Jurors heard that Mr Dirnhuber had dispatched Mr Young to Cyprus to cover Robinson's movements, on the basis that "tweeting is part of his day job".

The Daily Mail subsequently published a story about Robinson's location, prompting him to make a series of posts on X accusing the publication of "doxxing" — exposing his whereabouts — and putting his children in danger.

One post read: "The Daily Mail have purposely gave the location of where I am with my children knowing full well that people want to kill me. This is a coordinated establishment attack, days of lies blaming me and the non existent EDL for trouble and now they endanger my children."

No identifiable pictures of Robinson's children were published by the Daily Mail or MailOnline.

Escalation and direct threats

Mr Holy told jurors that Robinson's initial response — while arguably that of "a reasonable, concerned person" — escalated significantly over the following days.

"However… over the following few days Mr Lennon's tone and actions changed; from what on the face of it is a reasonable, concerned person to what we say is angry and retaliatory," he said.

Between 4am and 4pm on 5 August, Robinson sent a series of direct messages to Mr Dirnhuber. These included: "You have endangered my children," "I'll be knocking at your door," and "Let your bosses know I'm coming to all of your houses." Later messages read: "Okay got your address" and "We need to talk."

Mr Holy described the former EDL leader's conduct as "bullyboy, intimidatory tactics", telling jurors that Robinson had chosen to "frighten" the journalists, arranged for individuals to attend their addresses, and circulated images of their homes to millions of followers on social media. Robinson's own supporters then sent further threats to the journalists directly.

Southwark Crown Court also heard that at the time of the posts there had been broader public interest in "far-right influencers who appeared to be encouraging the disorder after the Southport attacks".

CPS response

Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said after the verdict: "Stephen Lennon weaponised social media and subjected two journalists to a campaign of harassment which caused them serious fear of violence.

"The evidence in this case showed that he targeted the victims directly and indirectly through social media and by telephone. He also published images relating not only to them, but also their families.

"Nobody should be made to fear violence because of the work they do. Journalists play an important role in a democratic society and should be able to carry out their professional duties without being subjected to harassment.

"We will always seek to work with the police to prosecute those who break the law and I hope these convictions provide reassurance that such behaviour will be treated seriously by the criminal justice system."

Robinson is due to be sentenced in December.

Source: The Sun