Tommy Robinson appeals 18-month prison sentence over contempt of court

In October 2023, Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt of court, following multiple breaches of a High Court order that prohibited him from making false allegations against a Syrian refugee named Jamal Hijazi. Despite being warned about the consequences of his actions, Robinson continued to defy the order by repeating these allegations in public forums, including a film aired at a demonstration and various interviews. Subsequently, Robinson’s breaches were described as flouting the authority of the court, and this led to the significant custodial sentence imposed on him by Mr Justice Johnson. Robinson’s plea hinges on the claim that his time in solitary confinement has severely impacted his mental health, with his lawyer presenting evidence of psychological distress, including complex PTSD and ADHD. The court session revealed that Robinson has limited access to phone contact and has faced restrictions due to his conduct during calls. In the current appeal, Robinson’s legal team argues that the conditions of his segregation and the government's decisions regarding his confinement were not adequately considered during the original sentencing. The court proceedings have brought to light the privileges Robinson still maintains in prison, such as communication through emails and access to a laptop and television. However, despite these provisions, he has expressed dissatisfaction with his prison conditions, claiming they exacerbate his health issues. The Solicitor General's office countered that Robinson remains in violation of the court's order and suggested that the conditions he faces are not more severe than anticipated. Judges have yet to announce their decision on Robinson's appeal, which is currently reserved.