Trial hears Tommy Robinson hired private detectives
Political activist Tommy Robinson is on trial at Southwark Crown Court, facing charges of harassment against two journalists. Robinson claims he hired private investigators to track the reporters because he feared for his family's safety following a critical article.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions between high-profile political activists and the media, raising questions about the boundaries of privacy and harassment.
Image source, James Manning/PA Image caption, Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court
Political activist Tommy Robinson has told a court he hired private detectives to track down and photograph two reporters to "put pressure" on them.
The 43-year-old from Bedfordshire, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court and said he had been "shocked and scared" when the Daily Mail published a story accusing him of "stoking race riots from his sunbed".
He denied two charges of harassment causing fear of violence to reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber after the 2024 Southport attacks.
Robinson is accused of writing posts on X, sending direct messages and making phone calls that made the two journalists fear the risk of vigilante attacks .
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