Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has lost his latest appeal against an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court—a ruling that has reignited debate over the boundaries of civil punishment and the conditions of his incarceration.

Background: A Pattern of Defiance

Robinson, 42, was jailed in October 2024 after he admitted to ten breaches of a High Court injunction issued in 2021. The injunction barred him from repeating libelous allegations against Jamal Hijazi, a Syrian refugee who had successfully sued Robinson for defamation after Robinson falsely accused him of violent behavior in a viral Facebook video. Despite the court order, Robinson continued to propagate these claims online, in media interviews, and at public rallies—including a prominent demonstration in Trafalgar Square last summer.

The breaches were not isolated incidents. Robinson published a film titled "Silenced," containing the same false allegations, and pinned it to his social media profile. He also repeated the claims in multiple interviews and public appearances, ultimately acknowledging ten separate violations of the court order.

The Appeal and the Court's Response

Robinson’s legal team argued that his segregation at HMP Woodhill—where he is held in a secure unit apart from other prisoners due to credible threats against his life—was having a “demonstrable effect” on his mental health. His attorneys cited his ADHD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, contending that the sentencing judge had not fully considered these factors and that the conditions of his confinement were unduly harsh for a civil offense.

However, the Court of Appeal, led by Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr, Lord Justice Edis, and Lord Justice Warby, dismissed the appeal. The judges found that the original sentencing judge had applied the law with “a meticulous approach” and that the severity of the sentence reflected the gravity with which the court views contempt. The court also noted that Robinson could reduce his sentence by four months if he took steps to "purge" his contempt, such as removing the offending film from his social media accounts.

Prison Conditions and Mental Health

Robinson remains in solitary confinement at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes, where he is isolated from other inmates for his own protection. Prison authorities have justified his segregation by citing numerous intelligence reports of credible threats, including plots by other inmates to attack him for notoriety. While in segregation, Robinson has access to a phone, a laptop, several hours of daily exercise, and up to four hours of social phone calls each day. More than 80 visits have been authorized since his incarceration.

Despite these allowances, Robinson and his supporters argue that the isolation is taking a toll on his mental well-being. His legal team warned of a noticeable decline in his mental health, and family members have expressed concern about the risk of self-harm.

Broader Implications and Public Debate

The case has fueled ongoing debates in the UK about the proportionality of civil contempt sentences, especially when they involve high-profile figures and issues of free speech. Supporters claim Robinson’s punishment is excessive for a civil offense, while critics argue that his repeated, deliberate defiance of court orders leaves the judiciary little choice but to impose a strong deterrent.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office stated, “Stephen Yaxley-Lennon repeatedly ignored judges’ orders and continued to spread libellous allegations. His 18-month sentence reflected how gravely the court considers contempt. We respect the court’s decision to refuse permission to appeal the sentence imposed”.

Robinson’s release is currently scheduled for July 26, 2025, unless he takes steps to reduce his sentence by purging his contempt.

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The ruling marks Robinson’s second legal defeat in less than a month, following a failed challenge to his segregation regime. As the debate continues, his case remains a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about the limits of protest, the enforcement of court orders, and the treatment of controversial prisoners in the British justice system.