Tommy Robinson convicted of harassing two Daily Mail journalists

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

A London jury found far-right activist Tommy Robinson guilty on Wednesday of harassing two Daily Mail journalists and causing them to fear violence. The conviction stems from his response to August 2024 articles that showed him holidaying in Cyprus while riots swept England after the Southport murders.

Prosecutors told the court Robinson hired private investigators to photograph the journalists' homes, posted their details to his X (formerly Twitter) followers, and told one reporter "I'm coming to get you." Both journalists left their homes and hired security. Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing on December 16.

Why it matters

The conviction makes clear that directing an online following at private individuals can carry criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison.

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Key Indicators

Charges of harassment causing fear of violence

Robinson was found guilty of both counts by a 10-2 jury majority.

10 years

Maximum sentence per charge

Each count carries up to 10 years; up to 14 if the offence is aggravated.

11h 25m

Jury deliberation time

Jurors deliberated 11 hours and 25 minutes before returning guilty verdicts.

2026-12-16

Sentencing date

Robinson was granted bail until sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Tommy Robinson

Defendant; far-right activist

Found guilty of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence; awaiting sentencing

Andrew Young

Freelance journalist; harassment victim

Testified at trial; given close protection after threats

Jacob Dirnhuber

Daily Mail journalist; harassment victim

Testified at trial; moved house due to harassment

Organizations Involved

Crown Prosecution Service

Public prosecution service for England and Wales

Prosecuted the case

The CPS authorizes and conducts criminal prosecutions in England and Wales.

Metropolitan Police Service

Police force for Greater London

Investigated the harassment complaints

The Met launched an investigation after the journalists reported safety concerns.

Daily Mail / Mail Online

News publisher

Published the articles that triggered the harassment campaign

The Mail published photos of Robinson on holiday in Cyprus in August 2024.

Timeline

July 2024 December 2026

8 events Latest: Yesterday

Tap a bar to jump to that date

December 2026
Sentencing scheduled at Southwark Crown Court
Upcoming Legal

Robinson was granted bail until the hearing.
December 16th, 2026
October 2026
Jury convicts Robinson on both charges
Latest Legal

Found guilty of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence.
Yesterday
August 2024
Robinson tells journalist "I'm coming to get you"
Harassment

Phone call to Andrew Young, who reported the threat to police.
August 5th, 2024
Robinson posts on X about the article
Statement

"The daily mail have purposely gave the location of where I am with my children," he wrote.
August 4th, 2024
Daily Mail publishes photos of Robinson in Cyprus
Publication

Mail journalists photographed Robinson holidaying while riots swept England.
August 2024
Robinson hires private investigators
Harassment

Detectives photographed journalists' homes; images were posted online.
August 2024
Police investigation begins
Investigation

Journalists report safety concerns after X posts reveal personal details.
August 2024
July 2024
Three girls murdered in Southport
Event

The killings triggered riots across England in the following days.
July 29th, 2024

Scenarios

Robinson jailed at sentencing

Possible Resolves by Dec 16, 2026

Discussed by: Crown Prosecution Service; prosecutor Ben Holt called the tactics "bully-boy, intimidatory"

If the judge imposes an immediate custodial sentence on December 16, Robinson goes to prison. Each charge carries up to 10 years. The judge said he would be considering "all options," and the CPS emphasized the seriousness of the fear caused to the journalists.

Robinson receives suspended or non-custodial sentence

Possible Resolves by Dec 16, 2026

Discussed by: Robinson's defense, which argued he acted out of fear for his family and denied intent to cause fear

The judge could impose a suspended sentence, community order, or fine. Robinson was granted bail after the verdict, suggesting the court is not treating him as an immediate flight risk. The judge's sentencing range gives room for a non-custodial outcome.

Robinson appeals conviction or sentence

Possible Resolves by Jan 31, 2027

Discussed by: Robinson's legal team; he denied the charges and wept in the witness box while discussing his children

If Robinson receives a custodial sentence, an appeal is a realistic next step. Crown Court appeals are filed with the Court of Appeal, typically within 28 days of sentencing. Robinson's defense maintained throughout that he acted in fear for his family, not with intent to cause fear.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

July-August 2024

Southport murders and riots (2024)

Three girls were murdered in Southport on July 29, 2024. Riots took place across England in the following days, with unrest in multiple towns and cities.

Then

The Daily Mail published photos of Robinson on holiday in Cyprus during the riots, triggering his harassment campaign against the journalists involved.

Now

The events led to Robinson's conviction for harassment in October 2026, with sentencing scheduled for December.

Why this matters now

The Southport murders and riots are the root cause of the entire legal case. Robinson's response to coverage of his holiday during the unrest is what he was convicted for.

May 2018-July 2021

Robinson's contempt of court case (2018-2021)

Robinson was jailed for contempt of court in 2018 after filming defendants outside Leeds Crown Court and broadcasting the footage on Facebook Live. The Court of Appeal later quashed the conviction.

Then

Robinson served time in prison before the conviction was overturned on appeal.

Now

The case demonstrated Robinson's willingness to use live-streaming and social media as protest tools, and his history of successful appeals.

Why this matters now

This earlier case shows both Robinson's pattern of using media platforms in legal settings and his history of appealing convictions. It informs the current appeal scenario.