Tommy Robinson trial hears he used bully boy tactics against journalists

Political activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, used bully-boy and intimidatory tactics to frighten two Daily Mail journalists, a court heard on Monday. BBC News and the Daily Mail both reported that the 43-year-old from Bedfordshire faces charges over his actions towards reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. Prosecutors stated that the harassment caused the journalists to fear violence. [1][2][10]

According to the Daily Mail, prosecutors told the court that Yaxley-Lennon sent photographers to the addresses of the two journalists and circulated photos of their homes to his millions of social media followers. BBC News reported that prosecutor Ben Holt opened the trial by explaining that the case stems from Yaxley-Lennon's reaction to what he believed was an unnecessary intrusion into his holiday following the 2024 Southport attacks. [1][2]

The intimidatory actions forced the two journalists to hire security or leave their homes because they feared for their personal safety, BBC News and the Daily Mail both reported. Yaxley-Lennon, who co-founded the English Defence League, pleaded not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence in July last year. [1][2][10]

The trial is continuing in court, where the judge told jury members to set politics aside during the proceedings, according to SuaraGarut.ID. [7]