Tommy Robinson found guilty of harassing two Daily Mail journalists using 'bully-boy tactics'

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been convicted of harassing two journalists working for the Daily Mail and causing them to fear violence. The prosecution at his trial said the 43-year-old, who told his trial his full name is Stephen Lennon, used "bully-boy, intimidatory tactics" to frighten freelance reporter Andrew Young and Daily Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber, forcing them to employ security or leave home. 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.

Robinson's trial heard how the 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 infamous murders of three girls in Southport. 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 both journalists because of their involvement in the piece. 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 one journalist outside his home and cropped images of the other journalist's family posted online by Robinson.

As well as social media posts and direct messages, the court heard Robinson also became "increasingly menacing" on a telephone call with Mr Young on August 5, 2024 – telling him: "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 sobbing in the witness box on Thursday as he spoke about the relationship he had with his children. Prosecutor Ben Holt previously told the court the freelance journalist 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. A third journalist, a Daily Mail correspondent George Odling also felt the need to leave his family home after becoming concerned with the publicity surrounding his colleagues. Police were provided with a voicemail sent from Robinson, who told a journalist: "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.

He was granted bail ahead of his sentencing on December 16. Harassment causing fear of violence can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, or up to 14 years in jail if the offence is racially or religiously aggravated.