By James Simons-
Former English Defense league Tommy Robinson has been jailed for contempt of court.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxon Lennon was jailed for 13 months after streaming live on Facebook from outside Leeds Crown Court.
The 35-year-old was arrested on suspicion of a breach of the peace. He was kept in the court cells before being taken up to the courtroom to face the trial judge. Robinson was aware of reporting restrictions of the case, and has accordingly been jailed for undermining the court’s instructions.
A ban imposed by the judge banning media reports of the contempt case against Robinson over fears it could affect the ongoing trial was lifted on Tuesday after hearing submissions that the order was being violated it on social media.
Robinson made clear that he was aware of the restrictions during the Facebook Live video, as well as the danger of being jailed. In that respect, the decision to jail him was well justified. “There is a reporting restriction on this case,” the former English Defence League (EDL) founder said.
“I have to be super careful, you see, because when I was coming to these court cases, part of what the police did was they dawn raided me and they put me on a contempt of court charge, which would mean that I could face prison.”
Robinson has a previous conviction for contempt of court , and also has a criminal record dates back to 2005.
The convicted criminal was the subject of a suspended prison sentence, imposed at Canterbury Crown Court, after he filmed in court.He also has convictions for disobeying a court order, possessing identity documents with intent, fraud, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possessing drugs and threatening behaviour.
His arrest sparked a protest outside Downing Street as supporters stupidly called for his release. Their request is vain, as Robinson has already pleaded guilty to the charge
Robinson founded the English Defence League in his hometown of Luton in 2009 and resigned from the group four years later.
REGRET
Matthew Harding, mitigating, said his client felt “deep regret” after realising the potential consequences of his actions.
The barrister added: “He was mindful, having spoken to others and taken advice, not to say things that he thought would actually prejudice these proceedings.
A re-trial would also mean witnesses in the case would have to face the ordeal of giving evidence again before a jury.
The judge added: “It is a serious feature that you were encouraging others to share what you were streaming live on social media.”
Jailing the married father-of-three, the judge said: “People have to understand that if they breach court orders there will be very real consequences
“He did not try to cause difficulties for the court process.”A re-trial would also mean witnesses in the case would have to face the ordeal of giving evidence again before a jury.
The judge added: “It is a serious feature that you were encouraging others to share what you were streaming live on social media.”
Jailing the married father-of-three, the judge said: “People have to understand that if they breach court orders there will be very real consequences