Tommy Robinson has been moved to a closed wing in prison after intelligence reports suggested he had a 'mark on his head' and would be killed by a lifer, the High Court has heard. The activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court after breaching an injunction.
The fears were disclosed during a High Court hearing in which Robinson applied to challenge the Government over his segregation. After being sentenced in October 2024, he was initially held at HMP Belmarsh but was moved to HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes on 1 November following threats. The court was told that two prisoners were allegedly 'plotting to assault' him, leading to his placement on a closed wing inaccessible to other inmates.
Robinson's barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued that the segregation had caused an 'evident decline in his mental health' and noted that HMP Woodhill has 'a significant Muslim population'. However, the Ministry of Justice opposed the legal challenge, stating that the isolation was necessary due to a 'non-speculative risk' to Robinson's safety. Written submissions from the MoJ detailed intelligence reports of a plot to assault him for 'kudos and notoriety'.
The court heard that Robinson has access to a laptop, email, and three hours of gym time daily, and works two-and-three-quarter hours a day, three days a week, painting and decorating. However, Williamson disputed this, claiming Robinson works only 90 minutes on Wednesdays, cleaning cells alone, and that the gym is also solitary. Robinson reportedly stated: 'The solitary confinement is destroying my mind.'
