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Tommy Robinson appears at Southwark Crown Court over alleged harassment of two journalists

Tommy Robinson, 43, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on 2 October ahead of a trial on 19 October. He is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against two MailOnline reporters.

2 outlets · 0L · 1C · 1R First reported Account updated
Image: Evening Standard
Image: Irish Independent

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The story, neutrally told

MixedPolitical activist Tommy Robinson appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Friday 2 October, accused of harassing two journalists. CentreRobinson is 43, and his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. MixedHe is charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against MailOnline reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber, through his X account between 5 and 7 August 2024.

MixedHe is accused of causing fear of violence through X posts and direct messages, and through a telephone call on 5 August 2024 in which he allegedly told Mr Young he would visit his house, saying: “I’m coming to get you”. MixedOne direct message sent to Mr Dirnhuber on X the same day allegedly said: “I’ll be knocking at your door”. MixedRobinson wore a dark blue suit and a black tie and spoke only to confirm his name. He had entered not guilty pleas to the charges in July last year.

MixedHis trial at the same court is due on 19 October.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split.

Left0 outlets

No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Straight court report of the hearing and the allegations, using Press Association copy and a lightly reworked version by the Standard's own reporter.
Emphasis
The charges, the alleged quotes and the trial date.
Leaves out or plays down
No comment from Robinson, the journalists or MailOnline; no background on his earlier cases.
Charged language
“Right-wing activist”
For example
“Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson has appeared at a crown court accused of harassing two journalists” — Evening Standard
“Political activist Tommy Robinson has appeared at a crown court accused of harassing two journalists” — Evening Standard

Right1 outlet

Framing
Runs the same Press Association report without changes to its framing.
Emphasis
The alleged threats and the court appearance.
Leaves out or plays down
No comment from Robinson or his supporters; no background on the case.
Charged language
“UK Political activist”
For example
“UK Political activist Tommy Robinson has appeared at a crown court accused of harassing two journalists” — Irish Independent