Tommy Robinson tells court he hired investigators to photograph journalists' homes

Unbiased summary

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, gave evidence on Thursday at Southwark Crown Court in his trial for two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against two MailOnline journalists, Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. He admitted hiring private investigators to find the journalists' home addresses and take photographs, which he said was to 'put pressure' on them. He denied intending to intimidate or expose their families to harm. The charges relate to actions in 2024 after MailOnline published an article headlined 'Stoking race riots from his sunbed' while Robinson was in Cyprus. Robinson became tearful when asked about the impact on his family. He denies the charges.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle Presents Robinson's actions as deliberate intimidation and highlights his admissions under cross-examination.

Bias Emphasises Robinson's admission that he wanted to 'put pressure' on journalists and shared photos of a journalist's wife and daughter. Notes he conceded he did not ask the Mail to remove an image of his ex-wife. Uses terms like 'far-right activist' and focuses on the prosecution's case, while downplaying Robinson's claims of feeling threatened or his emotional testimony.

Tommy Robinson tells court he had photos taken of journalists’ homes to pressure them

The Independent centre-left

Angle Focuses on Robinson's emotional reaction and his perspective, portraying him sympathetically.

Bias Leads with Robinson crying in court and his claims of being 'shocked and scared'. Emphasises his desire to 'question' journalists on camera and his assertion that he did not want to harm their families. Omits key prosecution points such as the voicemail to the Mail's editor and the sharing of a journalist's family photo. The coverage is largely narrative-driven from Robinson's viewpoint.

Tommy Robinson cries in court when asked how his family were affected by Daily Mail article

Daily Mail right

Angle Frames Robinson's actions as retaliation against the Mail's journalism, using dramatic language.

Bias Describes Robinson's actions as 'retaliation' and 'bullyboy, intimidatory tactics'. Emphasises the Mail's own article and Robinson's anger at it. Includes details favourable to the prosecution, such as Robinson agreeing he made an 'intemperate statement' about riots, while downplaying his denials of intent to intimidate. The outlet's own involvement as the victim adds a self-interested slant.

Tommy Robinson 'retaliated' to Daily Mail's race-riots expose by hiring private investigators to track down two journalists to their homes, court hears

GB News right

Angle Portrays Robinson as a victim of the press, focusing on his distress and denials of malicious intent.

Bias Leads with Robinson weeping and his claims of being 'panicked and terrified'. Emphasises his assertion that he would 'not endanger any innocent family' and his explanation that he wanted to 'bring the Daily Mail to the table'. Omits prosecution evidence about the threatening voicemail and the specific allegation of sharing a journalist's family photo. The coverage is highly sympathetic and largely omits the case against him.

Tommy Robinson weeps in court during journalist harassment trial