UK far-right figure Tommy Robinson faces trial over threats to reporters

British far-right activist Tommy Robinson is set to stand trial on Monday on charges of harassing two MailOnline reporters and causing them to fear violence, with proceedings expected to last five days. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, 43, faces two charges of harassment causing fear of violence against two men, both allegedly committed between Aug. 5-7, 2024. He pleaded not guilty to the accusations that he threatened Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 5, 2025. Ahead of the trial, The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that it has authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Yaxley-Lennon with harassment causing fear of violence against two men. "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial," said a CPS spokesperson. During a hearing at Southwark Crown Court earlier in October, he spoke only to confirm his name after previously entering not guilty pleas to the charges in July last year. Posts, messages The accusations are related to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against the journalists through US social media platform X between Aug. 5-7, 2024. It also includes an alleged phone call on Aug. 5, 2024. He is accused of telling Young in a call that he would go to his house, adding: "I'm coming to get you." In one of the direct messages he is accused of sending Dirnhuber on X on the same day, he allegedly said: "I'll be knocking at your door." On Aug. 6, Yaxley-Lennon is alleged to have posted: "Got ya @Jdirnhuber this is Jacob, he likes to locate and endanger families." "Jacob and the rest of the Daily Mail journalists who were involved in endangering my children have today been located." He continued: "I look forward to hearing on camera your justification for doxxing my children's location. I got all three of you tagged and bagged in one day." Later that day, he is also accused of messaging Dirnhuber to say: "I'll bring my questions to all your doors." On conviction, the harassment offence has a maximum sentence of six months in prison or an unlimited fine. Robinson has a long criminal record, with convictions for multiple assaults, mortgage fraud, faking a passport, stalking, contempt of court, and various public order offenses and served five prison terms between 2005 and 2025. He also co-founded the English Defense League -- far-right, anti-Islam group -- and served as its leader from 2009 to 2013.