Tommy Robinson found guilty of harassing two journalists and causing fear of violence

A jury at Southwark Crown Court convicted the far-right activist by a majority of 10 to two after an 11-hour deliberation

Tommy Robinson made a series of social media posts about the unfolding situation while on holiday in Cyprus, prompting the newspaper to send Mr Young and a photographer to the island. Picture: James Manning/Press Association

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been convicted of 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 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 of both charges of harassment causing fear of violence, by a majority of 10 to two.

His trial heard how the anti-migrant activist “retaliated” after the Daily Mail and its sister publication, 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.

Robinson made a series of social media posts about the unfolding situation while on holiday in Cyprus, prompting the newspaper to send Mr Young and a photographer to the island.

After MailOnline published its story, 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 that of Daily Mail editor-in-chief Ted Verity.

The jury accepted the prosecution’s case that the decision to hire detectives was designed to “intimidate” his victims. Robinson posted photographs of Mr Dirnhuber outside his home and cropped images of Mr Young’s family online.

As well as making social media posts and sending direct messages to Mr Dirnhuber, the defendant became “increasingly menacing” during a telephone call with Mr Young on August 5, 2024, telling the freelance journalist: “I’m coming to get you.” 

Jurors rejected the activist’s claims that the Daily Mail had put his family in danger by publishing the story. Robinson wept in the witness box on Thursday as he spoke about his relationship with his children.

Journalists feared for their safety

Prosecutor Ben Holt previously told the court that the Daily Mail provided Mr Young with a close protection officer after photographs of his wife and children were posted on Robinson’s X account.

Mr Dirnhuber had to move house because of the harassment. Daily Mail correspondent George Odling also felt the need to leave his family home after becoming concerned about the publicity surrounding his colleagues.

Mr Verity provided police with evidence of a voicemail he received from Robinson, who told him: “I’ve already located every fucking one of you.” The activist posted on X before the trial began to thank Tesla owner Elon Musk for funding his legal fees.

Robinson was granted bail ahead of his sentencing on December 16.