Far right activist Tommy Robinson 'refused to leave march against anti-Semitism'

22 January 2024 , 12:49

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Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, outside court today (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Far-right extremist Tommy Robinson has appeared in court after he was arrested at a demonstration against antisemitism, but has denied a charge of refusing to leave the area.

The former leader of the English Defence League - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - is accused of failing to comply with a direction to leave an area in Westminster, London on Sunday, November 26 of last year. The 40 year old was arrested near the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where the demonstration began, after organisers said he would not be welcome at the event.

Robinson, who now claims to be a journalist, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning, wearing a blue shirt and dark grey waistcoat. He denied the charge of one count of failing to comply with a dispersal order. Alistair Williamson KC, defending, made an application to the court to prevent the publication of Robinson’s address.

Yaxley-Lennon claims to be a journalist (AFP via Getty Images)

He said that his client had been subject to 12 police visits where he was warned of threats to his life, known as Osman warnings. Tristan Kirk, a journalist from the Evening Standard, opposed the application on behalf of the press. He referred to the principle of open justice, and noted that the application had been made at the last minute, with little time for the press to prepare.

Judge Briony Clark refused the application. Asked to give his address to the court, Robinson said that he had no fixed address. Bail conditions that prevent Robinson from entering within the M25, or attending or organising a protest within London, remain in place.

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He will next appear at City of London Magistrate’s Court for trial on Monday, April 22.

Kelly-Ann Mills