Tommy Robinson could face jail for harassing two Daily Mail journalists

Tommy Robinson could face jail after a judge warned he would consider “all options” following the far-right activist’s conviction for harassing two journalists and causing them to fear violence. The 43-year-old, who told his trial his full name is Stephen Lennon, was labelled a “bully” by prosecutors after freelance reporter Andrew Young and Daily Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber felt forced to either leave their homes or employ extra security for fear of a “vigilante” attack.

Jurors at Southwark Crown Court took 11 hours and 25 minutes to find Robinson guilty by a majority of 10 jurors to two of both charges of harassment causing fear of violence. The offence carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Robinson’s trial heard how the anti-migrant activist “retaliated” after the Daily Mail and its sister publication the MailOnline published a story about him “stoking riots from his sunbed” during unrest in the UK in August 2024 following the murders of three girls in Southport.

Tommy Robinson has been found guilty of harassment causing fear of violence Credit: Yui Mok/PA Robinson made a series of posts on social media about the unfolding situation while on holiday in Cyprus, prompting the newspaper to send Mr Young and a photographer to the island. After the MailOnline published its story about him, Robinson posted criticisms on his X account of Mr Young and Mr Dirnhuber because of their involvement in the article.

Robinson went on to hire private investigators to find the home addresses of his victims, as well as the editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail Ted Verity. The jury panel accepted the prosecution’s case that the decision to hire detectives was designed to “intimidate” his victims, with photographs of Mr Dirnhuber outside his home and cropped images of Mr Young’s family posted online by Robinson. As well as social media posts and direct messages to Mr Dirnhuber, the defendant also became “increasingly menacing” on a telephone call with Mr Young on August 5, 2024 – telling the freelance journalist: “I’m coming to get you.”

Jurors rejected claims from the activist that the Daily Mail had put his family in danger by publishing the story, with the defendant weeping in the witness box on Thursday as he spoke about the relationship he had with his children. Jurors rejected Robinson’s claims that the Daily Mail had put his family in danger Credit: Yui Mok/PA Prosecutor Ben Holt previously told the court Mr Young was given a close protection officer by the Daily Mail after photographs of his wife and children were posted on Robinson’s X account.

Mr Dirnhuber had to move house because of the harassment and Daily Mail correspondent George Odling also felt the need to leave his family home after becoming concerned with the publicity surrounding his colleagues. Mr Verity also provided evidence to police of a voicemail he received from Robinson, who told him: “I’ve already located every f****** one of you.” The activist posted on X before the trial began to thank Tesla owner Elon Musk for funding his legal fees.

A court sketch of Tommy Robinson during the trial Credit: Elizabeth Cook/PA Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, said Robinson had “weaponised social media” in his campaign of harassment. He said: “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.

“The jury heard from the victims and witnesses in this case, ultimately deciding that this behaviour crossed the line into criminality. “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.” Robinson was granted bail ahead of a sentencing hearing on December 16.