Robinson Out of Jail in Days

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is expected to be released from prison within the next week after the High Court reduced his 18-month sentence for contempt of court by four months.

Robinson was jailed in October after admitting to multiple breaches of a 2021 injunction that prohibited him from repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee who had previously won a libel case against him. His sentence included a 14-month punitive term and a four-month coercive term, the latter of which could be lifted if he complied with the injunction.

Initially set for release on July 26, Robinson applied to purge his contempt. Government lawyers acknowledged that he had taken meaningful steps to adhere to the court order.

Although Mr Justice Johnson noted that Robinson had not shown remorse, he recognized a “change in attitude” and accepted the activist’s commitment to comply with the injunction moving forward. “He has assured the court he will not breach the injunction again and understands the consequences if he does,” said the judge.

The judge granted the application, stating that—pending confirmation from prison officials—Robinson would be released after completing the punitive portion of his sentence, likely within the next week.

Robinson, who appeared via video link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, remained silent following the ruling.