Tommy Robinson loses court case as judges rule he must face new contempt trial

Far-right activist claims charges over filming of sex abuse defendants are ‘politically-motivated’

Tommy Robinson has failed in his bid to end contempt of court proceedings against him.

High Court judges, sitting at the Old Bailey, ruled that fresh action should go ahead.

It is alleged the far-right activist committed contempt of court by filming people in a criminal trial and broadcasting footage on social media.

Judges heard that Robinson’s alleged behaviour outside Leeds Crown Court in May last year was of “great concern” to the attorney general.

Robinson, 36, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, claimed the action against him was “politically motivated” in an address to supporters before Tuesday’s hearing.

In written submissions to the court, government lawyer Andrew Caldecott QC said that Robinson’s solicitors had “advanced various reasons why contempt proceedings should not be pursued”.

They included the “exceptionally arduous” conditions of imprisonment he had already endured, a “medical matter”, delay, and the “cost to the public purse”.

The English Defence League founder was jailed for 13 months in May last year.

But a contempt finding made against him was quashed by the Court of Appeal in August and he was freed from prison after serving two months of his sentence.

The case was then referred back to the attorney general, who announced in March that it was in the public interest to bring fresh proceedings.

A full hearing will take place on 4 and 5 July at the Old Bailey, the High Court judges ruled on Tuesday.

Additional reporting by PA