By Safina Khan | Voice of Asia News UK
LONDON, October 28, 2026 British far right activist Tommy Robinson has been found guilty of two offences involving the harassment of journalists after a jury at Southwark Crown Court concluded that his actions caused two newspaper journalists to fear violence.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was convicted of both charges relating to freelance journalist Andrew Young and Daily Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber. The jury reached its verdicts by a majority of 10 to two following more than 11 hours of deliberations.
The case centred on events in August 2024, when Robinson reacted to reporting by the Daily Mail and its online publication, MailOnline, about his social media activity during unrest in England. At the time, Robinson was on holiday in Cyprus.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Robinson targeted the journalists through online posts, direct messages and a telephone conversation. The court heard that private investigators had been hired to locate the journalists’ home addresses and that material relating to them and their families was subsequently shared online.
Prosecutors argued that the conduct went beyond criticism of media coverage and was intended to intimidate the journalists. The court also heard evidence about the impact on their personal safety, including additional security arrangements and a decision by one journalist to move home.
Robinson denied the charges. During his evidence, he maintained that he wanted to challenge the journalists and put pressure on them over the reporting, rather than intimidate them. The jury ultimately rejected his defence and found him guilty on both counts.
The verdict marks a significant development in a case examining the limits of public criticism of the media and the point at which conduct towards journalists becomes a criminal offence.
Robinson has been granted bail pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 16. The court will determine his punishment at that hearing.
Safina Khan
Voice of Asia News UK | London
