Tommy Robinson denies harassing MailOnline journalists as trial opens

Tommy Robinson has denied two charges of harassment causing fear of violence against two MailOnline journalists as his trial opened at Southwark Crown Court.

The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is charged with two counts relating to journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber in 2024. He denies both counts. The case is being presented by barrister Ben Holt, opening for the prosecution, according to The Guardian.

Prosecutors allege Robinson circulated images of the journalists' homes to millions of online followers. They allege he used X posts and direct messages to harass the two men and described his conduct as "bully-boy, intimidatory tactics."

The court heard that Robinson allegedly told Young in a telephone call on 5 August 2024 that he would visit his house, saying "I'm coming to get you." Prosecutors said the call was part of a course of conduct that left both journalists fearing violence.

Dirnhuber, a senior editor at the Mail, and his partner had to leave their home, the prosecution said. Young and his family were provided with a close protection officer. A third journalist involved in the Mail's coverage, George Odling, left his family home over concerns about the publicity.

The charges follow Mail coverage that reported on Robinson's alleged role as an "influencer" encouraging violence after the Southport murders in July 2024. A Daily Mail team later located Robinson on holiday in Cyprus and photographed him reclining on a sunlounger with a phone in hand.

Robinson is a former member of the British National Party and a co-founder of the English Defence League. His trial is listed as a five-day trial that started on 19 October 2026.