# Tommy Robinson's Harassment Trial Begins in London

> Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, commenced his trial at Southwark Crown Court today, facing two counts of harassment against MailOnline journalists.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-19T12:55:52.110738Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/tommy-robinson-s-harassment-trial-begins-in-london-be19174d

Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, 43, began his trial at Southwark Crown Court on October 19, 2026, facing two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against MailOnline journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber [1][2][3]. The trial is expected to last five days [1][14].

This trial addresses allegations of threatening behavior by a public figure against members of the press, raising important questions about the safety of journalists and the boundaries of online conduct.

## What the Records Show

The prosecution alleges that the harassment occurred between August 5 and 7, 2024, after Robinson perceived MailOnline's reporting as "an unnecessary intrusion into his holiday" [3][2]. Prosecutor Ben Holt stated in court that Robinson "threatened" the journalists [3][12]. Robinson is accused of using "bullyboy, intimidatory tactics" which allegedly caused the journalists to fear for their safety, with some reportedly employing security or leaving their homes [1][3].

Specific threats cited by the prosecution include a phone call on August 5, 2024, where Robinson allegedly told Andrew Young, "I'm coming to get you" [2][4]. On the same day, he is accused of sending a direct message on X (formerly Twitter) to Jacob Dirnhuber stating, "I'll be knocking at your door" [2][4]. The prosecution claims Robinson used his X account to harass both journalists and their family members while he was on holiday in Europe [4][8].

## The Timeline

Robinson, a co-founder of the English Defence League (EDL), pleaded not guilty to the charges of harassment causing fear of violence at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 5, 2025 [4][17]. He formally entered not guilty pleas to the charges in July 2025, ahead of the scheduled five-day trial [4]. On October 2, 2026, Robinson appeared at Southwark Crown Court, confirming his name [2].

## What the Subject Has Said Publicly

On October 18, 2026, the Sunday evening before the trial commenced, Robinson posted on social media, thanking supporters for "messages of love and support ahead of the latest round of lawfare being used against me" [4]. On the opening day of the trial, October 19, 2026, Robinson arrived at Southwark Crown Court to cheers from supporters, including one wearing a Union Flag suit, and spoke to them outside the court building [4].

## What We Could Not Confirm

We could not confirm the exact dates Robinson was on holiday in Europe when the alleged harassment occurred. We also could not confirm the specific family members allegedly harassed via Robinson's X account.

## Evidence cited
1. Tommy Robinson used ‘bullyboy, intimidatory tactics’ to threaten journalists, court told (www.theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/19/tommy-robinson-harassment-trial-mailonline-journalists-court
2. (October 02 2026) Political activist Tommy Robinson has appeared at a crown court accused of harassing two journalists by allegedly telling one “I'm coming to get you” and the other “I'll be knocking at your door”. The 43-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, sat in the dock at Southwark Crown Court on Friday ahead of his trial at the same court on October 19. He is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence to MailOnline reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhub (itv.com) — https://itv.com/
3. 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. (irvinetimes.com) — https://irvinetimes.com/
4. Political activist Tommy Robinson has arrived at court ahead of his trial for the alleged harassment of two journalists. (andoveradvertiser.co.uk) — https://andoveradvertiser.co.uk/
5. Tommy Robinson appears at crown court over alleged harassment of two journalists | Largs and Millport Weekly News. (largsandmillportnews.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQE6YUZhUyAFjSe9NvQLjMLe4pWO-yzSGA-yGasyt46CR-tuCqbYU2nf3unJ6pB0k6idSMWS2xG8xwfaqugagYh6-uMGUP18sCxU5bZkTFHaoL_ZaMgYhnLY8PWj5kSaygR1Wj7TacgXZZoCdnHcmRCW4G6x8E4S9IF0vjNcHg1iNUu5x1LShqQW22dBPhzznKDj9fOpWCBFh1O2PPqRxoksC2whO_8bHLqxmrsDfYrgobZ2_MykpKT0OE7ahaFw
6. Tommy Robinson appears at crown court over alleged harassment of two journalists | East London and West Essex Guardian Series. (guardian-series.co.uk) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHhcCHtvyrlulfs5Lv1Ehgjk5omO4_u8iSMrmgXT3Zb96Lacm81HA2oVWI3O5zyrJ_ZLNCte0edt--VnfdSlrK-p3dPKR8_Sp_E7erQvUHl3L5gOZYVYX-yRolCtc3w0SHYZX-KDe7dv4QC35koWCDq4s_6cTfFIqGExFuEVAz0pxCGoOoefJXX3_f3Lj5hdPViwd1JKgvalnP6EGvDTYW-h0TPsOFur5AQDDXcT_2b88IdgkfN8WvG0E0
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8. Political activist "Tommy Robinson" has denied harassing two journalists. (essexnewsandinvestigations.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHrGzCj99kEvYghBhufKFTF_E1V7r4krwL8kpDnI-AkTzK5VAa8UJZ_owOZ8QMiNLSGQh6D6qbnU_h6hWQ4y0a1ubOkE_6Hpmxk-25l1NdxUjVfBMzZdfX2h62d1Sx-HNz89VW-3-hODy5vqOmzwDndwvFT_xGLnUeRM-QKsoMA-wKZmswY1VRqjNfEhhVSV9hTvMeNm1YXZ9FBj2VkIWhVZe0DOxy0YuZgBpD7CeNY
9. Tommy Robinson arrives at court ahead of harassment trial. Newham Recorder. (newhamrecorder.co.uk) — https://newhamrecorder.co.uk/
10. 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 ... (blackpoolcitizen.co.uk) — https://blackpoolcitizen.co.uk/
11. Tommy Robinson arrives at court ahead of harassment trial. ITV News. (itv.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEI4pSvLoyz_HG_fINVK_248_GQJ_-cdnkYd5TPSeUEtl_yzTvOhOg8uhukQEjFzkAnyqPLHUC0VA6BdS_ZUswKOAey7WNg9uTYhs2-w0lf-PT1K1pmnii3bQ8dl6mMlkKUJCGZhy-DVgjv8UdMjJpjvIUTP8jHRlg7VuEYFo-tXHzUVKV7DetpPg46R5lA8R889LuYY0MgSg==
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14. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson to stand trial in Britain — Anadolu Agency (ua.news) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFTT6Fv-qlZLbqZpTcDN919UD1u79C06nvjzWC2BHHBD1Ni2DEGjYcfKlmh7-H4xvIOuco1U_4kW0sYrMEk7ssD0oXE1PK2aTDqsrujQGK2mIVmDlgT8Kn8YJk2Y1KVgr0fUaOnTpw-C4Ffd91idFUNndElCmA8x2jbwyj7IwdUY0v6KGVkvBSYsrXuEtxg08eGYscLYSXIDTC8BMIOqmU=
15. Political activist Tommy Robinson has appeared at a crown court accused of harassing two journalists by allegedly telling one “I'm coming to get you” and the other “I'll be knocking at your door”. (theargus.co.uk) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQGpRGPX3TsKIXBNPYaw9lhYJiundLWSjBDeKuO549F6roBEvOyReejiWOWwqeIZyNpJSPqgkLlocy94DZ09ycVrP8bwu4p2sWCuu3A7ysNG1hRVarHeayc6udNlUxrOPWoKVdQs2cH2n1jBBnNNDm7AqAIe2n4FEfmuxzi4bGNmG6InLZGu5cZAu9Vocn3TFS0RLUNLC07wNFMQ6su-o4RY9Rr1dRJsLkcY48MRx1pdsCQ3yQ==
16. TOMMY Robinson will appear in court on Monday for the start of his trial on charges of harassing two journalists by allegedly telling one “I'm coming to get you” and the other “I'll be knocking at your door” ... (thenational.scot) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQE2vRMCUiLH6KadIAO68eIXBx-a0bcUJaxYG2oUPjc-gzz1LLOR3PSoyAoR6KElSyclQBh7vmk0iqLfMpIHLR_hjx8wvQq_LS1ExGHwj0XabtJsurmMI8SwwqJM_VYbUrPHr6N9pRBiljITg9revyuCJqf8P06gKEGeKbW6PwMfuiHJnyYPFMHYD_Qnv43USyycFBDu3TwiZfsEBYZlqv7GCrTxpDj-R80x8kohCdY1ZYk77O27
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18. Tommy Robinson to go on trial over alleged harassment of 2 journalists. The National. (thenational.scot) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQE50vUMPkBdwcMI5C8dchd_UCQK4b2Nvyyuru8rTpmp-HaSoUf5cxJE3LswEt0EG68bpea3moLoMJTIoaXNxQDmrBM-p2Q3BmWBMHS9smQ7JBMFdqFwBCBXKK7YIUXLExL8hkejbGjNMQzINp7pcIPJNGs6vR0ROKQFDK6mK8RSvEg2cnm9HPqMLc2FKcBPq0ozLhspZ_cyOTBidmX9wwI=
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23. Political activist "Tommy Robinson" has denied harassing two journalists. (essexnewsandinvestigations.com) — https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHrGzCj99kEvYghBhufKFTF_E1V7r4krwL8kpDnI-AkTzK5VAa8UJZ_owOZ9QMiNLSGQh6D6qbnU_h6hWQ4y0a1ubOkE_6Hpmxk-25l1NdxUjVfBMzZdfX2h62d1Sx-HNz89VW-3-hODy5vqOmzwDndwvFT_xGLnUeRM-QKsoMA-wKZmswY1VRqjNfEhhVSV9hTvMeNm1YXZ9FBj2VkIWhVZe0DOxy0YuZgBpD7CeNY
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