EDL founder Robinson withholds address over threats to family

TOMMY ROBINSON, founder of the English Defence League, refused to give his address to a court after threats were made against him and his family.

Mr Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-lennon, 41, gave his full name and date of birth, yesterday. Alisdair Williamson KC, Mr Robinson’s lawyer, told Westminster magistrates’ court that 12 credible threats had been made against his client and his family’s lives.

District Judge Briony Clarke instructed the 41-year-old to give his address. However, Mr Robinson, whose supporters stood at the back of the court, said it was the address of his mother, before telling Judge Clarke he was of “no fixed abode”.

Mr Robinson denied failing to comply with a police order when he refused to leave a march against anti-semitism in November. He will face trial on April 22. Footage posted by Mr Robinson showed him waiting for breakfast in a café on the Strand, opposite the Royal Courts of Justice, when officers confronted him and told him to leave.

Upon refusing Mr Robinson was arrested and allegedly pepper sprayed. Mr Williamson argued: “Mr Lennon reports on matters of national interest which have [caused] threats to be made against his life.

“Threats of sufficient seriousness have been made on 12 occasions for police to issue an Osman warning.

“These warnings have been extended to his ex wife.

“The latest one was 12 months ago. Police attended the address and Mr Lennon and his family had to be relocated for a period of weeks before it was safe for them to return to that address.

“He is a figure who engenders strong feelings.” Mr Robinson entered a not guilty plea.