British activist Tommy Robinson has been convicted of harassing two journalists after a campaign that left them fearing for their safety.
A jury at Southwark Crown Court found the 43-year-old guilty of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence. The verdicts were reached by a majority of 10 to two.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was granted bail. He is due to be sentenced on December 16.
The case followed a dispute over newspaper reports published in August 2024. Robinson was on holiday in Cyprus while riots spread across England after three girls were murdered in Southport.
A Dispute Over Media Coverage
The Daily Mail and MailOnline published reports showing Robinson on holiday. One article accused him of encouraging unrest from abroad.
Robinson responded with a series of posts on X. He claimed the reporting had put his family at risk by revealing their location in Cyprus.
During the trial, he said he had panicked. He also admitted hiring private investigators to locate journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber.
Robinson said he wanted to put pressure on the newspaper, not frighten its reporters. The jury rejected his defence.
Journalists Feared for Their Safety
Prosecutors said Robinson used online posts, messages and telephone calls to intimidate the journalists.
The court heard that photographs of Dirnhuber outside his home were shared online. Images of Young’s family were also posted.
During a telephone call on August 5, 2024, Robinson told Young: “I'm coming to get you.”
The journalists took steps to protect themselves and their families. Young received additional security, while Dirnhuber left his home because of safety concerns.
The jury accepted the prosecution’s case that Robinson’s actions amounted to criminal harassment.
Robinson Denied Intimidation
Robinson maintained that his actions were intended to challenge the newspaper’s reporting. He said he wanted the Daily Mail to remove a photograph of his former wife.
He also argued that the article had endangered his family. Jurors rejected that claim.
The case began after the journalists reported concerns about their safety to police. Investigators examined online posts and other communications directed at the reporters.
Police Warn Against Online Threats
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said legitimate complaints about media coverage could be pursued through established channels.
Instead, the spokesperson said, threatening posts had been published in circumstances where they could prompt others to target the journalists.
The force said the reporters and their families had feared for their safety. It added that some had been forced to leave their homes or arrange private security.
The Crown Prosecution Service also criticised the use of social media to target the journalists. Frank Ferguson, who heads its Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said Robinson had “weaponised social media” and caused the reporters serious fear of violence.
Sentencing Set for December
Harassment causing fear of violence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A longer maximum applies where the offence is racially or religiously aggravated.
Robinson remains on bail while he awaits sentencing. No sentence has yet been imposed.
The verdict has also renewed debate about the safety of journalists and the limits of online conduct. The case centred not simply on criticism of reporting, but on whether the actions taken against the reporters amounted to criminal harassment.
