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Far-right figure Tommy Robinson is set to be released from prison four months early 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 an injunction banning him from spreading false claims about a Syrian refugee. His early release follows a court ruling that accepted he had shown a willingness to comply with the order, despite lacking any clear signs of remorse.
Why was Robinson jailed?
Robinson, was jailed in October 2023 for breaching a court order that prohibited him from repeating libellous claims about a Syrian teenager. The case stemmed from false allegations Robinson made in 2018, when he described then-schoolboy Jamal Hijazi as a violent bully in videos shared online. These claims were later proven to be untrue, with Hijazi successfully suing Robinson for libel in 2021 and being awarded £100,000 in damages.Following the libel ruling, an injunction was issued to prevent Robinson from repeating the defamatory statements. However, he went on to breach the order multiple times through interviews, online videos, and a speech at a public rally, which led to his conviction for contempt of court. He admitted to ten breaches of the injunction. Robinson’s actions triggered further abuse directed at the teenager, who was forced to leave school and whose family had to relocate.The sentencing judge in October imposed an 18-month prison term, which included a 14-month punitive element and a four-month coercive element—designed to pressure Robinson into complying with the injunction. He was jailed at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes.
Why he’s being released early
On Tuesday, the high court in London ruled that Robinson’s sentence should be reduced, potentially allowing for his release within days. Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson, who oversaw the hearing, said Robinson had shown a “change in attitude” and accepted that he had given clear assurances not to breach the injunction again.Robinson’s legal team argued that he had taken steps to remove the offending content and had demonstrated his commitment to complying with the court’s order. His lawyer, Alex Di Francesco, said each breach capable of being “purged” had been acted upon, with most material removed from online platforms.While the judge acknowledged Robinson’s ongoing lack of remorse, he accepted that the coercive portion of the sentence had served its purpose. As a result, Robinson will only be required to complete the punitive element, which ends this week. He had originally been due for release on 26 July.
