Janice R. Andrews
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, has received an 18-month prison sentence after acknowledging contempt of court. The 41-year-old violated a High Court injunction by continuing to make unfounded allegations against Jamal Hijazi, a Syrian refugee. This verdict, delivered at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, represents Robinson’s fourth contempt case.
The case originated from a 2018 incident when footage emerged of Jamal Hijazi, a Syrian student in West Yorkshire, being bullied at school. Following this, Robinson published a Facebook video containing false accusations about Hijazi being violent, leading to threats against Hijazi’s family. In 2021, a High Court ruling awarded Hijazi £100,000 in damages and prohibited Robinson from repeating the claims.
Despite this injunction, Robinson produced a film in early 2023 claiming state persecution and continued making prohibited statements about Hijazi. The film garnered 47 million views. He later screened it publicly in Trafalgar Square before leaving the country.
At the hearing, prosecutor Aidan Eardley KC emphasized Robinson’s deliberate law defiance, noting the content remained online and under Robinson’s control. Defense lawyer Sasha Wass KC argued Robinson’s actions were motivated by journalistic principles rather than malice, citing his previous prison experiences had caused mental health issues.
Presiding Judge Justice Johnson stressed that court orders are binding for everyone in a democratic society. He offered a potential four-month sentence reduction if Robinson removed the offending content, though expressed doubt about compliance.
This case has sparked renewed discussion about balancing free speech with legal obligations. Robinson faces additional legal challenges, including charges of refusing to unlock his phone during a counter-terrorism check at a UK port, with a court appearance scheduled for November.
The verdict reinforces that regardless of personal beliefs, court orders must be followed to maintain societal order and protect individuals from harm.
