Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, began his trial at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday, October 19, 2026, facing two charges of harassment causing fear of violence against MailOnline journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber. Prosecutors allege Robinson used "bully-boy, intimidatory tactics" against the journalists between August 5 and 7, 2024, after MailOnline reported on his holiday in Cyprus.

This trial examines alleged intimidation against journalists and their families, bringing into focus concerns about press freedom and personal safety for those reporting on controversial public figures. The case highlights how alleged online threats can translate into tangible fear and disruption in journalists' lives.

What the records show

Prosecutor Ben Holt informed jurors that Robinson became enraged by what he considered an "unnecessary intrusion into his holiday". The MailOnline article, published August 4, 2024, included photographs of Robinson and details of his location in an all-inclusive resort in Cyprus. The headline of the article was "Stoking Race Riots from his Sunbed". The court heard that MailOnline had sent investigative journalist Andrew Young and a photographer to Cyprus to cover Robinson's activities. This decision followed Robinson's departure from the UK for Cyprus the day before three children were murdered in Southport in July 2024, during which time he posted social media content as unrest occurred across the country. The newspaper maintained that reporting on Robinson's activities in Cyprus was legitimate, viewing his tweeting as part of his work and a source of income.

Key evidence presented includes a voicemail Robinson allegedly left for Ted Verity, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Mail, in August 2024. In the voicemail, Robinson purportedly stated, "I've already located every f****** one of you" and "I'll make you famous and your families". He also allegedly said, "If it's legitimate journalism then expect me to come knocking". Robinson is also accused of sending direct messages to Jacob Dirnhuber on X, including one that stated, "I'll be knocking at your door". In a phone call to Andrew Young on August 5, 2024, Robinson allegedly said, "I'm coming to get you". The prosecution further alleged that Robinson circulated images of the journalists' homes to millions of followers and published photographs identifying them and their families.

The timeline

In July 2024, Robinson traveled to Cyprus from the UK. On August 4, 2024, MailOnline published its article about his holiday. The alleged threats against journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber occurred between August 5 and 7, 2024. Robinson entered not guilty pleas to the harassment charges in July 2025. The trial began on Monday, October 19, 2026, and is expected to last five days.

What changed and for whom

The alleged threats caused significant distress and fear for the journalists and their families. Andrew Young, a MailOnline reporter and freelance journalist, was provided with a close protection officer by the Daily Mail after photographs of his wife and children appeared on Robinson's X account. Young expressed concern that while Robinson might not physically harm him, his 800,000 followers on X at the time could be "tempted to seek revenge on me or my home or my family for what I had written". Young's address was reportedly published online by an anonymous X account, and unknown men began appearing outside his home. Jacob Dirnhuber, an editor at the Daily Mail and MailOnline, testified that he was "scared to go to my own house" and feared being intercepted by Robinson's supporters, potentially leading to physical harm for him or his partner. Dirnhuber stated this was an unprecedented experience in his decade-long journalism career, leading him, his partner, and their dog to leave their home. Another Daily Mail correspondent, George Odling, also felt compelled to leave his family home due to concerns arising from the publicity surrounding his colleagues.

What the subject has said publicly

Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pleaded not guilty to the harassment charges in July 2025. On the Sunday evening before the trial began, he posted on social media, thanking supporters "ahead of the latest round of lawfare being used against me".

What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the final verdict of the ongoing trial or the specific impact this case might have on future protections for journalists reporting on controversial figures.