UK court frees tommy Robinson early

England

Tommy Robinson, a far-right British activist, has been granted early release from prison after the UK High Court reduced his 18-month sentence for contempt of court. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed in October 2023 for repeatedly breaching a court injunction that banned him from making false claims against Syrian teenager Jamal Hijazi.

Robinson had earlier defamed Hijazi in 2018, leading to a successful libel suit and £100,000 compensation. Despite a court order prohibiting further defamatory statements, Robinson violated it multiple times through public speeches and online posts. He admitted to ten breaches, causing harassment that forced Hijazi’s family to relocate. The court acknowledged Robinson’s efforts to remove offending content and accepted his assurance not to repeat the actions. Though he showed no remorse, the court ruled the coercive part of his sentence fulfilled. He is expected to be released within days.