Political activist Tommy Robinson used “bully-boy, intimidatory tactics” to frighten two journalists, forcing them to employ security or leave home, a court has heard.
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.
Opening the case at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, prosecutor Ben Holt told jurors the defendant “threatened” the journalists after what he perceived to be “an unnecessary intrusion into his holiday”.
The jury panel were told to “put aside” any views they might have about the activist as they were sworn in.
The court heard Robinson had left the UK for Cyprus the day before three children were murdered in Southport in July 2024.
Mr Holt said he made a number of social media posts following the attack as unrest unfolded across the country.
Jurors heard investigative journalist Mr Young was sent to Cyprus with a photographer to cover the story about “where Mr Lennon was and what he was doing”.
“An article was published about him and his whereabouts, both in print and online,” Mr Holt said.
Detailing what the prosecution say Robinson’s reaction was, Mr Holt said: “What he did, we say, was to intimidate those journalists.
“He chose to frighten them, arrange for individuals to go to their addresses.
“On social media, to millions of followers, he circulated images of their homes.
“His supporters got involved, threatening the journalists.
“Understandably, you might agree, they were scared, in some circumstances, being forced to leave their homes.”
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, appearing in the dock at Southwark Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)
PA Wire
The court heard Robinson made a series of posts on his X account responding to the articles that had been published by the Daily Mail and MailOnline.
Jurors were told that on August 5 2024, Mr Dirnhuber received a number of direct messages from Robinson between 4am and 4pm.
These included: “You have endangered my children”; “I’ll be knocking at your door”; and: “Let your bosses know I’m coming to all of your houses.”
Later messages said: “Okay got your address” and: “We need to talk.”
The jury panel also heard Robinson told Mr Young over the phone that he would “have to move house” after he came to his home address at 6pm Cyprus time on the same day.
“He said that he had Mr Young’s telephone number,” Mr Holt told jurors.
“He recited his home address. He repeatedly asked Mr Young if he thought it was fair that he had ‘doxxed’ his children by exposing his holiday location.”
Robinson – whom Mr Holt referred to in court as “Mr Lennon” – then became, according to Mr Young, “increasingly menacing”.
The prosecutor continued: “He raised his voice, he was swearing and shouting.
“He said that he had been researching Mr Young’s family and threatened to publish photographs of them and their addresses online.
“Mr Lennon told Mr Young that he would be coming to Mr Young’s house and he would have to move house.
“He was going to shove a camera in his face and ask questions. Mr Young told him that he did not want to engage with him, all complaints should be directed to the Daily Mail legal department.
“Mr Young believes Mr Lennon said: ‘I’m coming to get you.’”
The prosecutor said Mr Young remained in Cyprus, and at about 1pm on August 5, he became aware that his home address in Suffolk had been posted on X by an account under the name “The Secret SpAd @SpittngSpAd”, alongside the comment: “Please be sure to congratulate him.”
Another post, at the same time, from the same account, posted an image of Mr Dirnhuber with the words: “Here’s another. Jacob Dirnhuber. He is from Sutton. Please congratulate him on his fine work.”
Mr Holt said: “The prosecution does not say that this X account is somehow linked to (Robinson).
“What we say, however, is that it was inevitable – and would have been known by (Robinson), or he ought to have known – that his followers and supporters online would pick up the baton and attack those who (he) was talking about.
“This was never going to be a one-man campaign; it was inevitably going to draw others in, only heightening the worry and concern for those who were at the sharp end of these posts.”
Mr Holt said Robinson’s case is that his family had been put in danger by the actions of the Daily Mail.
He told jurors: “A phrase we will hear a few times in this case, ‘what is good for the goose is good for the gander’.
“He acted as he did to protect his family, as such, he says his conduct was reasonable.”
Addressing what the prosecution’s case is, Mr Holt said: “The prosecution say this defendant – using bully-boy, intimidatory tactics – threatened the journalists.
“He sent photographers to their home addresses.
“He put pictures, albeit redacted, of them out on his timeline on X for the enjoyment and appreciation of his followers.”
Robinson posted on X before the trial began to thank Tesla owner Elon Musk for funding his legal fees – saying his court fees to date have cost him £400,000.
Robinson, who founded the English Defence League, entered not guilty pleas to the charges in July last year.
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.”
The trial, expected to last five days, continues.