Cheers and jeers as Robinson freed
FAR-Right activist Tommy Robinson walked out of jail yesterday after judges ruled his 13-month prison sentence – given just five hours after he was arrested for contempt of court – was unfair.
The former English Defence League leader had been behind bars for two months for filming defendants and discussing an ongoing Leeds Crown Court criminal trial live on Facebook.
But yesterday appeal court judges freed Robinson from Onley Prison, Warks, on bail to face a fresh contempt hearing “as soon as possible”.
Robinson, 35, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, said outside prison: “I want to thank the British public for all their support.”
He appealed against his sentence last month, claiming the punishment was “excessive” and the hearing “rushed”.
I want to thank the British public for all their support.
The three appeal judges agreed yesterday, quashing the conviction.
They said the judge who jailed him gave “no clarity” about what parts of his Facebook Live video were in contempt of court.
Far-Right groups had gathered repeatedly in Leeds to protest against Robinson’s incarceration.
Yesterday supporters outside the Royal Courts of Justice chanted “Tommy’s coming home” to the tune of England football anthem Three Lions.
Meanwhile, anti-racism campaigners nearby chanted “Nazi scum, off our streets”.