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Tommy Robinson ‘targeted by extremist groups’ as he admits to contempt at Canterbury Crown Court.

By
May 26, 2017
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A right wing activist who intended to photograph defendants during has narrowly avoided prison.

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, of Bedfordshire, admitted contempt of court on May 8 and was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months by Judge Heather Norton.

Because of Robinson’s actions both the jury and defendants had to be hustled out of the building away from the normal front door.

Security staff told Robinson not to film within the precincts of the court and warned him he would be arrested.

‘He will be put in jeopardy if he goes to prison’

Robinson claimed he had only been working for an internet TV company for six weeks and hadn’t been taught media law .

He was looking to photograph or confront the defendants who included a juvenile which is against the Contempt of Court Act of 1925 – which makes it illegal to photograph witnesses, defendants or jurors within the court precincts.

Richard Kovaleski, defending, said Robinson had been given warnings that Al Shebab a Muslim extremist group is out to get him.

He said: “He is a marked man. This is not fanciful. He will be put in jeopardy if he goes to prison. Today could be a life changing event.”

‘I take a dim view of your actions. If you commit further offences this sentence will be activated’

Judge Norton said although Robinson only filmed himself in the court building his intention was clear.

She said: “Your intention beyond any doubt was to film the defendants but you were not able to do so.”

There are notices all over the court building prohibiting filming.

Judge Norton said: “This was a deliberate action on your part.

“Your intention was to seek out the defendants. It is abundantly clear you were on a mission to film the defendants.This is not about free speech or freedom of the press, legitimate journalism or political correctness.

“This is about justice. It is about being innocent until proven guilty.

“I find clear evidence of contempt. I take a dim view of your actions. If you commit further offences this sentence will be activated.”

She said any further contempt and Robinson would be sent to jail for three months on top of any further sentences.

Kent Live

Courtroom photo lands right-wing activist Amanda Smith in prison

By
September 18, 2016
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A far-right activist who photographed a suspected rioter in a court corridor has been jailed for three weeks.

Amanda Smith, 52, snapped the defendant as he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court accused of violent disorder at the Dover riots.

Her lawyer, Kerry Waitt, attempted to claim Smith was a court reporter, having attended many of the riot hearings.

But Judge Adele Williams told Mr Waitt: “I don’t think you can compare this defendant and her activities to our very well-respected court reporter from the Kentish Gazette.”

Smith, of Shipman Avenue, Canterbury, was spotted by security staff taking the picture as others posed for it outside Court 6.

She has now been jailed for 21 days after admitting being in contempt of court.

The mum of two was told by the judge: “Your conduct was wholly unacceptable – especially taking a picture of someone waiting to be dealt with for violent disorder.”

It has been an offence for 91 years to take photographs in and around courts in England and Wales and is regarded as a common law contempt, attracting jail sentences.

Mr Waitt said Smith was “not present at what has now become known as the Dover Riots but she has an association with the South-East Alliance”, regarded as a far-right group.

He added: “This is a group which shares views on politics and immigration and other topical matters. They communicate with each other in chatrooms.

“And as she lives near to the court and it being school holidays she was encouraged by others and agreed to come to the court to report to families of those who were in court.”

He told Canterbury Crown Court that Smith worked at a “local education establishment” and now “bitterly regrets allowing herself to become involved” in taking the photograph.

“She was invited to take a photograph and didn’t apply her mind to what she was doing,” he said.

“She is now contrite and has learned her lesson.”

Judge Williams said security staff were aware that Smith had attended many of the hearings involving those alleged to have taken part in the riots in Dover in January.

Kent Online