Robinson told Daily Mail editor he would make journalists' families famous, court hears
Tommy Robinson is on trial accused of harassing two Daily Mail journalists, with jurors told he left a voicemail warning the paper's editor he would make staff and their families «famous».
Tommy Robinson told the Daily Mail's editor-in-chief that he would make the newspaper's journalists and their families «famous», a court has heard, as the far-right activist stands trial accused of harassing two reporters.
The message was left as a voicemail on the phone of Ted Verity, the paper's editor, according to evidence presented at Southwark Crown Court. Jurors were told that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, made the remark while allegedly conducting a campaign of harassment against journalists working for the Daily Mail and its sister title, MailOnline.
The prosecution case centres on two journalists who say they were subjected to harassment that caused them fear of violence in August 2024. The court heard that reporters who had written about the activist were left fearing a «vigilante attack» as a result of his conduct.
Robinson denies the allegations. The trial continues.
The case has drawn attention because of its focus on the treatment of working journalists and the boundary between political activism and intimidation. The voicemail to Verity is central to the prosecution's account of how Robinson sought to pressure the newspaper and those who reported on him.
Jurors heard that the message was directed at the editor-in-chief personally, with Robinson warning that the paper's staff and their relatives would be thrust into the public eye. The prosecution alleges the remark formed part of a wider pattern of behaviour aimed at journalists covering his activities.
Robinson has been a prominent figure in far-right circles in Britain and has frequently clashed with the media. The trial at Southwark Crown Court is expected to examine in detail the contact between Robinson and journalists at the Daily Mail and MailOnline, including the circumstances in which the voicemail was left.
The two journalists at the centre of the case are said to have experienced fear of violence as a result of the alleged harassment. The court was told their concerns included the possibility of being targeted by supporters acting outside the law.
The proceedings are being followed closely as a test of how the criminal law applies to harassment directed at reporters and their families. The outcome will rest on whether the prosecution can satisfy the jury that Robinson's conduct crossed the threshold into criminal harassment.
Robinson, who is known for his political activism, is contesting the charges. The trial is ongoing.
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