Tommy Robinson, the activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been released from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes after a High Court judge reduced his 18-month sentence for contempt of court. He was seen leaving the prison on Monday morning, having served seven months of his original term.
His sentence was cut by four months earlier this month after his lawyers argued that he had shown a commitment to comply with an injunction that barred him from repeating false allegations about a Syrian refugee. The judge, Mr Justice Johnson, noted an absence of remorse but acknowledged a change in attitude and granted his application for early release.
Robinson was jailed in October last year after admitting multiple breaches of the 2021 injunction, which stemmed from a libel case brought by the refugee. The sentence included a 14-month punitive element and a four-month coercive element, which could be removed if he purged his contempt.
Following his release, Robinson posted a 20-minute video on his X social media channel, sporting longer hair and a bushy beard, and announced plans to organise a free speech festival in London for supporters later this year. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court next week on charges of harassment causing fear of violence against two men, brought by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Robinson also faces a separate trial in October 2025 for allegedly failing to provide his phone's PIN to police. The CPS has reminded the public that he has the right to a fair trial.
