Tommy Robinson, the far-right figurehead whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has lost his appeal to reduce the length of his 18-month prison sentence, the Court of Appeal has confirmed.
The 42-year-old former English Defence League (EDL) leader was sentenced in October 2023 after admitting to breaching a court order. The offence related to screening a documentary that contained false and defamatory claims about a Syrian refugee schoolboy, which violated an existing injunction.
📌 Appeal on Mental Health Grounds Dismissed
Robinson’s legal team, led by King’s Counsel Alisdair Williamson, argued that his sentence should be reduced due to deteriorating mental health conditions, including ADHD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They also highlighted his ongoing segregation at HMP Woodhill, which they claimed was having a damaging impact on his wellbeing.
However, senior judges Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Lord Justice Edis, and Lord Justice Warby dismissed the appeal, ruling that the new medical evidence failed to demonstrate a “significant exacerbation” of a known condition or present any “material new factor” relevant to the sentence.
🧑⚖️ Court of Appeal: Sentence Stands
The ruling, delivered this week, means that Robinson must serve the remainder of his prison sentence. His expected release date remains 26 July 2025.
This latest legal blow comes shortly after another failed bid by Robinson to challenge his segregation within HMP Woodhill. In March, the High Court dismissed his claim against the government, asserting that his segregation was lawful and necessary under prison rules.
⚖️ Background: The Syrian Refugee Case
Robinson’s imprisonment stems from the unlawful publication and screening of a documentary that falsely accused a young Syrian refugee of violent behaviour. The claims were found to be entirely baseless, and Robinson was subsequently ordered by the courts to cease further distribution of the film.
His breach of that order — by screening the film publicly — led to his 18-month sentence for contempt of court and defamation.
📢 What’s Next for Robinson?
With both legal avenues now exhausted, Robinson will serve the remainder of his sentence in HMP Woodhill under current prison conditions. There is no indication of any further appeals being filed.
