Tommy Robinson’s harassment trial began in London on Monday, with prosecutors alleging that his posts and actions exposed two MailOnline journalists to threats after coverage of his Cyprus holiday.
Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence involving Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The Crown Prosecution Service placed the alleged conduct between Aug. 5 and Aug. 7, 2024.
The Guardian reported that prosecutors told jurors Robinson sent photographers to the journalists’ homes and shared images connected to their residences on X. Prosecutors said the actions followed MailOnline’s coverage of Robinson’s holiday and led to threats against the reporters.
Prosecutor Ben Holt told Southwark Crown Court that Robinson’s followers threatened the journalists after the posts appeared, the Guardian reported. Prosecutors also allege Robinson told Young by phone that he would visit his home. They say Robinson sent Dirnhuber a message stating, “I’ll be knocking at your door.”
The Guardian reported that a close protection officer was assigned to Young’s family. Dirnhuber and his partner later had to leave their home, the outlet reported.
Courthouse News reported that Robinson told police he believed the MailOnline coverage had put his children at risk. He said he viewed his actions as journalism and did not intend to frighten the reporters or encourage others to threaten them. The trial resumes Tuesday.
