Tommy Robinson Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Contempt of Court Admission
Lawyers representing the Solicitor General argued that Robinson had been undermining the rule of law, notably through the release of a film containing libelous claims.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for confessing to contempt of court charges.
The political activist confessed to spreading false accusations against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi, violating a court injunction.
Judge Mr. Justice Johnson handed Robinson, 41, his sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, stating that the breaches were not accidental but deliberate, leading to a clear violation warranting imprisonment.
Lawyers for the Solicitor General claimed Robinson was openly defying the court and sabotaging the rule of law, specifically with the release of a film named “Silenced” that contained defamatory statements.
Robinson’s attorneys argued that his actions were based on his principles that guided him to court.
‘Flagrant Breach’
Hijazi, a schoolboy assaulted at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in October 2018, saw Robinson making baseless claims on Facebook.
The Syrian refugee successfully sued Robinson in 2021 for defamation, resulting in an order for Robinson to compensate Hijazi with £100,000 and cover legal expenses. The court also issued an injunction to prevent Robinson from repeating the allegations.
Passing judgment on Monday, Johnson emphasized that Robinson’s actions were a deliberate defiance of the court’s orders.
“Nobody is above the law. Nobody can choose which court orders to follow and which to ignore,” Johnson asserted.
The Solicitor General laid out the first contempt claim in June, citing four violations, including the release of “Silenced” in May 2023.
A second contempt claim was filed in August, detailing six other violations, such as screening the film at a rally in Trafalgar Square, London.
‘Disobedience to a Court Order’
Aidan Eardley, KC, remarked on Robinson’s intention to disregard the court order.
Eardley stated, “The harm here is that many saw Mr. Yaxley-Lennon openly defying the court.”
He clarified that the issue was not about Robinson’s political stance or freedom of expression but about disobeying a court order and undermining the rule of law.
In defense of Robinson, Sasha Wass, KC, stated that her client’s actions were driven by his belief in free speech, a free press, and the truth he aims to expose.
Wass added that while Robinson acknowledges his breaches, he wants it known that he acted in accordance with his principles and is prepared to face the consequences.
“Silenced” remains prominently featured on Robinson’s profile on the social media platform X.
Robinson was sentenced to 18 months, with a reduction for the time spent in custody since Friday. The judge indicated a potential reduction to 14 months if Robinson rectifies his conduct, like removing the video from X.
Despite the opportunity to shorten his sentence, Robinson indicated he was not inclined to comply.
PA Media contributed to this report.
