Tommy Robinson Trial: Photos of Journalists' Homes to Pressure Them 2026

Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, told his harassment trial that he used private investigators to track down journalists who had written about his alleged role in the 2024 riots, and had photos taken of their homes "to put pressure" on them. The admission came during his evidence and cross-examination on Thursday at the trial, where he faces two counts of harassment causing fear of violence to two MailOnline journalists, Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber, in 2024. Robinson denies the charges.

The case centers on whether Robinson's actions—including sharing photos of the wife and daughter of one of the journalists—were designed to intimidate and bully. In court, Robinson denied that was his intent, saying: "I'm not coming to beat [them] up … they know that," referring to messages and telephone calls, including a voicemail left for the editor of the Daily Mail after Robinson paid to obtain his personal number.

What Robinson Admitted in Court

Robinson conceded that he had photos taken of journalists' homes and that he published a photo of Dirnhuber at his home. He claimed he "felt it was totally reasonable" because he was "in a race against time" to get the Mail to remove a photo of his ex-wife, which the Mail had published in a story about him being in Cyprus, headlined: "Stoking race riots from his sunbed."

However, he also acknowledged that when he sent messages to the journalists, spoke to one on the phone, and left a message on the voicemail of the Mail's editor-in-chief, Ted Verity, he had paid to get Verity's personal number. This detail underscores the extent to which Robinson went to contact those he felt had wronged him.

The Use of Private Investigators

Robinson's use of private investigators to track down journalists raises significant questions about privacy and press freedom. The fact that he had photos taken of their homes "to put pressure" on them suggests a deliberate campaign to intimidate, even if Robinson denies that characterization.

The trial has also heard how Robinson shared images of the wife and daughter of one of the journalists, which the prosecution argues was intended to cause fear of violence. Robinson maintains that his actions were reasonable and that he was simply trying to get the Mail to remove a photo of his ex-wife.

Why This Case Matters

This trial is about more than just one man's actions; it touches on the broader issue of press freedom and the safety of journalists. When individuals use private investigators to track down journalists and take photos of their homes, it sends a chilling message to the media. It can discourage reporters from covering controversial figures and stories.

The case also highlights the potential for harassment to escalate into fear of violence. The charges against Robinson are serious, and the outcome will set a precedent for how such behavior is treated under the law. It is a reminder that journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation or reprisal.

Key Takeaways from the Trial

• Robinson admitted to using private investigators to find journalists' home addresses.
• He had photos taken of their homes "to put pressure" on them.
• He shared a photo of one journalist at his home, claiming it was reasonable in a "race against time."
• He paid to obtain the personal number of the Mail's editor-in-chief and left a voicemail.
• Robinson denies the charges of harassment causing fear of violence.

Comparing the Charges and Robinson's Defense

What to Watch Next

The trial continues, and the court will ultimately decide whether Robinson's actions amounted to harassment causing fear of violence. The outcome will have implications for how similar cases are handled in the future. It will also be closely watched by media organizations and free speech advocates.

Robinson's history of confrontational behavior and his large social media following mean that this case is likely to attract significant public attention. The court's decision will be a test of how the legal system balances the right to free expression with the need to protect individuals from harassment.

FAQ

As the trial unfolds, it is worth reflecting on the broader pattern of behavior exhibited by Robinson. His actions have drawn comparisons to other controversial figures who have used similar tactics to intimidate critics. For a deeper look at how Robinson's tactics have been exposed in court, see our analysis of the Tommy Robinson harassment trial bullyboy tactics.

The court also heard disturbing details about threats made against journalists' families, which you can read about in our report on the Tommy Robinson trial and journalist family threats. These revelations underscore the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences for press freedom.

Robinson's financial dealings have also come under scrutiny, with allegations of misuse of funds. Our review of the Tommy Robinson money scandal provides context on his fundraising activities and the questions surrounding them.

In a separate but related development, Robinson's association with Australian politician Pauline Hanson has sparked controversy. The Pauline Hanson and Tommy Robinson media controversy highlights how his notoriety extends beyond the UK.

Finally, the trial has drawn parallels to other high-profile cases involving celebrity harassment. For instance, the recent testimony of a woman who told a court that Russell Brand treated her like an animal raises similar questions about power, intimidation, and accountability.