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Tommy Robinson: Contempt case referred to Attorney General 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. An 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. Mr Robinson appeared at the Old Bailey, 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.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. The brief appearance was the latest in a long-running case that began in 2017.
Hundreds of supporters and opponents were outside for the hearing. The 35-year-old was released on bail. He appeared under his real name, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Why was he in court? Hundreds of his supporters, and some opponents, gathered outside the court.
What did the judge say?
Mr Yaxley-Lennon's counsel, Richard Furlong, said the case should be referred to the Attorney General - the government's chief legal adviser, currently Conservative MP Geoffrey Cox.
Judge Hilliard said he was satisfied he had the jurisdiction to hear allegations against Mr Yaxley-Lennon.
But less than 10 minutes into the hearing he confirmed it would be referred up, saying the case was so complex it needed further consideration.
The court heard that in the current setting, lawyers would not be able to cross-examine witnesses.
Judge Hilliard said: "Cross-examination of Mr Yaxley-Lennon would be necessary for a proper examination of the allegations.
"All the evidence must be rigorously tested."
Why was Mr Robinson 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.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?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 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.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.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.Read more about the contempt law from BBC Legal Affairs Correspondent Clive Coleman.