Robinson released on bail
Jailed anti-Muslim activist Tommy Robinson has been released on bail after his appeal against a conviction for contempt of court was partially granted.
Robinson was arrested in May outside a courthouse in Leeds, northern England, while making video recordings about a trial.
Robinson’s real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, although he uses a number of aliases. He is a founder of the English Defence League (EDL), which has organised violent demonstrations against Islamic immigrants in the UK in the past decade.
Appeal Court judges on Wednesday ruled that the process of convicting Robinson in Leeds was flawed as the proceedings were completed too quickly.
He will be released from custody pending a rehearing, a date for which has yet to be set.
Robinson’s supporters in court clapped when his release was announced. Outside, police kept apart dozens more of them from “Stand up to Racism” activists who were protesting against his release.
Robinson’s conviction in Leeds came after he had earlier in May been handed a suspended sentence for attempting to film defendants at Canterbury Crown Court during a rape trial, actions which the judge said could have derailed the trial.
The judges on Wednesday dismissed an appeal by Robinson against the Canterbury conviction.
Published: by Radio NewsHub