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Tommy Robinson: Contempt case referred to Attorney General | |
(35 minutes later) | |
The allegation of contempt of court against ex-English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson is being referred to the Attorney General. | |
Mr Robinson appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, facing an allegation that he had committed contempt by filming people before a criminal trial. | |
But within minutes Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC ruled it needed to be referred up for further consideration. | |
The 35-year-old appeared under his real name, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. | |
Hundreds of supporters and opponents were outside for the hearing. | |
Why was he in court? | |
In May 2017, Mr Yaxley-Lennon filmed four men outside a court, who were later convicted of gang-raping a teenage girl. | In May 2017, Mr Yaxley-Lennon filmed four men outside a court, who were later convicted of gang-raping a teenage girl. |
The trial was subject to reporting restrictions, and a judge at Canterbury Crown Court gave him a three-month suspended sentence for contempt of court. | The trial was subject to reporting restrictions, and a judge at Canterbury Crown Court gave him a three-month suspended sentence for contempt of court. |
In May 2018, he was jailed for potentially prejudicing a court case after broadcasting on social media outside Leeds Crown Court. | In May 2018, he was jailed for potentially prejudicing a court case after broadcasting on social media outside Leeds Crown Court. |
He was sentenced to 13 months - 10 months for the contempt of court in Leeds and a further three months for breaching the previous suspended sentence. | He was sentenced to 13 months - 10 months for the contempt of court in Leeds and a further three months for breaching the previous suspended sentence. |
Mr Yaxley-Lennon appealed against both contempt findings. | |
Three judges quashed the Leeds ruling, saying the judge should not have commenced contempt proceedings that day. | Three judges quashed the Leeds ruling, saying the judge should not have commenced contempt proceedings that day. |
They ordered the case be reheard so that the allegations could be fully examined and, after a brief appearance at the Old Bailey in September, the case was adjourned until today. | They ordered the case be reheard so that the allegations could be fully examined and, after a brief appearance at the Old Bailey in September, the case was adjourned until today. |
What is contempt of court? | |
Contempt of court laws are designed to protect the rule of law, ensure fair trials - and avoid trial by media. | |
Contempt can be committed by a broad range of people and organisations including the press, jurors, and social media users. | |
The maximum sentence for contempt of court is two years' imprisonment, but it can also be punished with a fine. | |
Read more about the contempt law from BBC Legal Affairs Correspondent Clive Coleman. |