Tommy Robinson Jailed For Nine Months For Contempt Of Court

11 July 2019, 10:07 | Updated: 11 July 2019, 11:58

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt of court.

The former English Defence League leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was convicted over a video he broadcast on social media which featured defendants in a criminal trial.

Due to previous time served in jail before his appeal, his sentence will be 19 weeks. He is expected to be released on license after 10 weeks.

He arrived at the court wearing a t-shirt which read "Convicted of journalism" and spoke with protesters before heading inside. On the back, it read: "Britain = North Korea".

Passing sentence, Dame Victoria Sharp said: "We are in no doubt that the custody threshold is crossed in this case, in particular having regard to the common law contempt that the respondent committed.

"Nothing less than a custodial penalty would properly reflect the gravity of the conduct we have identified.

"The respondent (Robinson) cannot be given credit for pleading guilty. He has lied about a number of matters and sought to portray himself as the victim of unfairness and oppression.

"This does not increase his sentence, but it does mean that there can be no reduction for an admission of guilt."

After the sentencing, Yaxley-Lennon's Telegram account read: "Sentenced to prison for journalism. Time for protests to start, this is an absolute joke!

"Protest outside whatever prison I'm in on Saturday please."

Earlier, Robinson was late for the hearing and Robinson's barrister Richard Furlong apologised on his client's behalf, saying he was delayed by "a number of people outside who are here to support him".

Dame Victoria Sharp replied: "Well, it's not a very good start, is it?"

Police officer donned riot helmets as angry protesters threw bottles and cans at them as they chanted "We want Tommy out".