Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has lost an appeal against his 18-month sentence for contempt of court at the Court of Appeal on April 16, 2025. The far-right activist was imprisoned in October 2024 after admitting to multiple breaches of a High Court order issued in 2021, which prohibited him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel.
During the appeal, Robinson's legal team argued that his mental health conditions, including ADHD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, were deteriorating due to his time in segregation at HMP Woodhill. They claimed that the prison conditions were "making him ill" and that this warranted a reduction in his sentence. However, barristers representing the Solicitor General opposed the appeal, stating there were "no grounds" for altering the sentence.
Robinson was jailed by Mr. Justice Johnson at Woolwich Crown Court after the Solicitor General issued two contempt claims against him. The first claim alleged that he had "knowingly" breached the order on four occasions, including by publishing a film titled Silenced in May 2023, which contained the libelous allegations. The second claim was issued in August, concerning six additional breaches, including the playing of the film at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in London during the summer of that year.
While handing down the sentence, Mr. Justice Johnson emphasized that "nobody is above the law" and described Robinson's breaches of the injunction as "flagrant." He noted that Robinson could potentially reduce his sentence by four months if he took specific steps to "purge" his contempt, such as removing the film from his social media accounts.
In the recent ruling, the Court of Appeal, consisting of Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Lord Justice Edis, and Lord Justice Warby, dismissed Robinson's appeal. They noted that the previous judge's application of the law and reasoning regarding the appropriate sanction demonstrated a meticulous approach. They stated that new evidence regarding Robinson's mental health did not sufficiently show a significant exacerbation of his condition or present a material new factor that would justify a change in his sentence.
Robinson's legal troubles began after he was successfully sued by Jamal Hijazi, a then-schoolboy who was assaulted at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in October 2018. Following a viral video of the incident, Robinson made false claims on Facebook, including allegations that Hijazi had attacked girls at his school. As a result of the libel case, Mr. Justice Nicklin ordered Robinson to pay Hijazi £100,000 in damages and legal costs, in addition to the injunction preventing him from repeating the allegations.
Currently held at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Robinson is set for release on July 26, 2025, which marks the halfway point of his sentence. However, his situation has drawn significant media attention, particularly regarding his continued segregation from other inmates. In March 2025, Robinson was denied permission to challenge the decision to keep him in segregation, with the High Court ruling that the measures were taken for his protection and the safety of other prisoners and staff.
Robinson has claimed that his segregation is politically motivated due to his activism and beliefs. His legal team argued that being kept safe in segregation was adversely affecting his mental health more than anticipated by the sentencing judge. Nevertheless, the Solicitor General's barristers contended that there was no evidence to suggest that the conditions of Robinson's imprisonment were harsher than those anticipated by the judge.
Despite his legal setbacks, Robinson continues to attract attention, including support from high-profile figures such as US billionaire Elon Musk, who was reported to be covering some of his legal fees. Robinson's social media presence has remained active, with his accounts often stirring controversy and drawing criticism from various quarters.
As Robinson's appeal was dismissed, the Attorney General's Office issued a statement emphasizing that Robinson had repeatedly ignored court orders and continued to disseminate libelous allegations. The statement further affirmed that his 18-month sentence reflected the seriousness with which the court views contempt of court.
This latest ruling marks Robinson's second court defeat in less than a month. His legal challenges have highlighted ongoing debates about free speech, the limits of activism, and the responsibilities that come with public statements. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Robinson will navigate the complexities of his legal situation and public persona.
In summary, Tommy Robinson has found himself in a precarious position following the Court of Appeal's decision to uphold his sentence for contempt of court. His legal battles serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law, particularly in cases involving public figures and contentious issues.
