Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a controversial figure in the UK known for his far-right activism, particularly concerning issues related to immigration and Islam. Over the years, he has been involved in several legal issues and has faced various charges. Below are some notable examples of crimes and legal troubles associated with him:
Contempt of Court (2018):
In May 2018, Robinson was found guilty of contempt of court after filming outside a trial involving a gang accused of grooming and sexually exploiting young girls. He was live-streaming his comments about the defendants, which led to concerns that his actions could influence the jury. He was sentenced to 13 months in prison, though he was released after serving about 10 weeks when the case was reviewed and the conviction was quashed on procedural grounds.
Assault (2012):
Robinson was involved in an incident in 2012 where he was accused of assaulting a police officer. He was arrested during a protest and charged with assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty. He was found guilty and sentenced to a fine.
Fraud (2018):
In 2018, Robinson faced allegations of fraud related to a fundraising campaign for a legal defense fund. It was reported that he had raised substantial amounts of money but was accused of misusing those funds for personal expenses rather than for legal costs. While he was not criminally charged, this led to significant scrutiny and criticism from various quarters.
Public Order Offenses:
Robinson has been involved in multiple public order offenses during protests and demonstrations. These include charges related to inciting violence and disorder at rallies against immigration and Islam. Specific instances include arrests during protests organized by his group, the English Defence League (EDL), which he co-founded in 2009.
In addition to these legal issues, Robinson has faced numerous controversies surrounding his rhetoric and actions, which many consider to be hate speech. His activities have led to widespread criticism from various organizations, including human rights groups and political figures.
For more detailed information on Tommy Robinson’s legal issues and controversies, you can refer to sources such as:
BBC News on Contempt of Court Case
The Guardian on Robinson's Arrest
Independent on Fundraising Allegations
In summary, Tommy Robinson has faced multiple legal challenges, predominantly related to contempt of court, assault, and public order offenses, along with ongoing scrutiny regarding his activism and public behavior.