A judge has told prospective jurors in the harassment trial of Tommy Robinson to “put aside any views” of the political activist.
Robinson, 43, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence to MailOnline reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber through his X account between August 5 and 7 2024.
He arrived to cheers from supporters, including a man in a Union flag suit, at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, and spoke to them at length outside the court building ahead of his five-day trial.
Ahead of the jury being selected, Mr Justice Cavanagh said the fact that people may have heard of the defendant was not a reason as to why they could not sit on the jury.
He then asked jurors to “put aside any views that you might have of Tommy Robinson, or his views and activities”.
He is accused of harassment causing fear of violence through X posts and direct messages, and an alleged telephone call on August 5 2024, in which he is accused of telling Mr Young he would visit his house, saying: “I’m coming to get you.”
One of the direct messages Robinson is accused of sending Mr Dirnhuber on X on the same day allegedly said: “I’ll be knocking at your door.”
On Sunday evening, he posted on social media to thank “everyone for the messages of love and support ahead of the latest round of lawfare being used against me”.