Tommy Robinson’s trip to Cyprus in the summer of 2024 is at the centre of a trial in the UK, where the far-right activist is accused of harassing two Daily Mail journalists after the newspaper reported on his family holiday.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, denies two charges of harassment causing fear of violence against journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber.
Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court that the case concerns Robinson’s response to reports published by the Daily Mail and MailOnline about his presence in Cyprus following the murders of three young girls in Southport, England, on July 29, 2024.
How the Cyprus trip became part of the case
Following the Southport murders, Robinson published a series of social media posts that alerted the Daily Mail and MailOnline to his location in Cyprus.
The outlets subsequently published articles about the activist, accompanied by photographs taken during his holiday. One image showed him reclining on a sun lounger while using his mobile phone.
The reports prompted Robinson to post messages on X, claiming that the newspaper had endangered him and his family by revealing their location.
In a post on August 4, 2024, he accused the Daily Mail of deliberately disclosing where he was staying with his children, despite allegedly knowing that people wanted to kill him. In another post, he claimed the newspaper had revealed his family’s precise location.
However, the court was told that neither the Daily Mail nor MailOnline published photographs in which Robinson’s children could be identified.
Prosecutors allege intimidation of journalists
Holt told the court that the case was not simply about Robinson’s anger over the articles, but about how he chose to respond by using his substantial social media following.
The prosecutor described the alleged conduct as intimidation, arguing that Robinson used his online reach to frighten the two journalists. He said the activist had more than two million followers on X.
According to the prosecution, Robinson posted photographs of the journalists’ homes, while some of his supporters allegedly joined in the threats against them.
The court heard that Dirnhuber was forced to move house, while Young received protection from the newspaper.
On August 5, Dirnhuber allegedly received a series of direct messages from Robinson. The messages reportedly accused him of putting his children at risk and included statements that Robinson would go to his door and visit the journalists’ homes.
Phone call and alleged threats
The court also heard details of a telephone conversation between Robinson and Young.
According to the prosecutor, Robinson said he had the journalist’s telephone number and referred to his home address.
Young reportedly told the court that Robinson became increasingly threatening during the call, raising his voice and using abusive language. Robinson allegedly said he had investigated Young’s family and threatened to publish photographs and addresses of its members online.
He also allegedly said he would go to Young’s home and that the journalist would be forced to move. Young responded that he did not want direct contact with Robinson and that any complaints should be directed to the Daily Mail’s legal department.
Holt argued that Robinson’s posts could be expected to encourage others to target the journalists. As an example, he cited a post by another person that included Young’s home address in Suffolk.
The court was also shown an audio message that Daily Mail editor-in-chief Ted Verity said he had received and handed to police. The sender, who identified himself as “Tommy Robinson”, allegedly said he had already tracked down everyone involved.
Robinson says he was protecting his family
Robinson’s defence is that the Daily Mail had put his family at risk and that his response was intended to protect them.
In a post on X, he wrote: “What applies to one side applies to the other,” arguing that the newspaper should not judge his actions differently from the practices it uses itself.
Before the trial began, Robinson also thanked X owner Elon Musk for funding his legal defence, saying his legal costs had reached £400,000 by that point.
Judge Mr Justice Cavanagh, sitting at Southwark Crown Court, told jurors that the trial was not about Robinson’s political views or an assessment of those views.
The case is being heard by a jury of 12 people, comprising nine men and three women. The trial is expected to last five days.
Also read: Cyprus ranks third in EU for tourism intensity
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