Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, has been issued a five-year stalking protection order after harassing a journalist outside her home. The order was granted at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
The court heard that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, went to the home of Lizzie Dearden, home affairs correspondent for The Independent, and her boyfriend Samuel Partridge in January. He shouted unsubstantiated allegations about Partridge, calling him a paedophile.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram ruled that Robinson's behaviour 'crossed the line between mere harassment and stalking'. He rejected Robinson's claim that he was exercising his right to reply, stating there was 'not a shred of evidence' for the allegations against Partridge.
Robinson had hired a private investigator to find Dearden's address after she sought comment on a story about misuse of supporters' donations. He arrived at her home around 10pm, threatening to return 'every night' if she did not come out.
Dearden said she felt 'extremely shaken, distressed and unsafe'. The magistrate noted Robinson posed a risk to her physical and psychological wellbeing. Robinson walked out of court before the order was passed.
The order prohibits Robinson from contacting Dearden or Partridge, attending their homes or workplaces, or publishing any material about them. He may still respond to her articles with 'legitimate comment' but cannot reference his allegations.
