Tommy Robinson to face retrial over contempt of court charge

Former EDL leader Tommy Robinson is to face a retrial over a charge he committed a contempt of court offence.

Two High Court judges have given permission for fresh legal proceedings to go ahead after an application by attorney general Geoffrey Cox.

Robinson, from Luton, was jailed for 13 months in May last year after he allegedly filmed people involved in a criminal trial at Leeds Crown Court and broadcast the footage on social media.

The contempt of court finding against Robinson was then quashed in August by the Court of Appeal.

He was subsequently freed from prison after serving two months of his sentence.

The case was later referred back to the attorney general, who said in March it was in the public interest to bring fresh proceedings against Robinson.

The 36-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, could be sent back to jail if he is again found in contempt, which carries a maximum sentence of two years.

Robinson, a former head of the English Defence League (EDL), claims the allegation is politically motivated.

After the court’s decision was announced on Tuesday, a crowd of his supporters booed and chanted “shame on you”.

Robinson thanked his backers and asked them to return for the next hearing, which will be on 4 and 5 July at the Old Bailey.

(c) Sky News 2019: Tommy Robinson to face retrial over contempt of court charge