Journalists forced to flee homes after Tommy Robinson shared images of where they lived online, court told

A trial at Southwark Crown Court has heard allegations that political activist Tommy Robinson used "bully-boy, intimidatory tactics" to threaten two Daily Mail journalists, compelling them to take measures such as hiring security or relocating from their homes. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, faces two counts of harassment causing fear of violence toward reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. The charges stem from events following the publication of articles about Robinson's presence in Cyprus after the 2024 Southport attacks. Prosecutor Ben Holt opened the trial, stating the case centered around Yaxley-Lennon's reaction to what he viewed as an "unnecessary intrusion into his holiday." Robinson, who founded the English Defence League, pleaded not guilty to the charges in July of the previous year. According to Holt, Dirnhuber had to move house due to the alleged harassment, while Young was assigned a close protection officer by the Daily Mail after images of his wife and children appeared on Robinson's X account. Judge Mr Justice Cavanagh emphasized that the trial was not about evaluating Robinson's political views. Holt described Yaxley-Lennon as a "well-known public figure" with a substantial online following, exceeding two million on X. Before the trial began, Robinson expressed gratitude to X's owner, Elon Musk, for funding his legal defense, noting that court costs so far amounted to £400,000. Following the Southport attacks on 29 July 2024, Yaxley-Lennon posted several messages on social media, alerting the Daily Mail and Mail Online to his location in Cyprus. The Daily Mail published articles featuring photographs of Robinson, including one depicting him "reclining on a sunbed using his mobile telephone." Over subsequent days, Robinson posted responses on his X account. On 4 August, these included claims that the Daily Mail had intentionally revealed his location with his children, knowing that people wanted to kill him. Another post questioned how the Daily Mail could be allowed to dox the exact location of his family. Jurors were informed that no identifiable images of Yaxley-Lennon's children had been published by the Daily Mail or Mail Online. Holt argued that the trial focused on Yaxley-Lennon's reaction to the articles, accusing him of employing "bully-boy tactics" to intimidate the journalists. He stated that Robinson arranged for individuals to visit the journalists' addresses and circulated images of their homes to millions of followers. Supporters reportedly joined in by threatening the journalists, leading to situations where they were forced to leave their homes. On 5 August, Dirnhuber received multiple direct messages from Robinson, including statements such as "you have endangered my children," "I'll be knocking at your door," and "let your bosses know I'm coming to all of your houses." The jury was also presented with details of an alleged phone conversation between Yaxley-Lennon and Young. Holt recounted that Yaxley-Lennon claimed to have Young's telephone number and recited his home address. According to Young, Yaxley-Lennon became increasingly menacing during the conversation, raising his voice, swearing, and threatening to publish photographs of Young's family and their addresses online. Yaxley-Lennon allegedly told Young he would visit his house and force him to move, stating he would confront him with a camera and ask questions. Young responded that he did not wish to engage with Robinson, directing all complaints to the Daily Mail's legal department. Young believed Yaxley-Lennon said, "I'm coming to get you." The trial continues with further testimonies and evidence being presented.