Contempt of court ruling sparked a row

Q Why was Tommy

Robinson jailed?

A He was jailed after a judge at Leeds Crown Court found him in contempt of court in May.

The judge determined that Robinson’s broadcasting of a video online breached a court order that postponed any reporting of a trial until the conclusion of another, linked, trial. He was previously given a suspended sentence for contempt at Canterbury Crown Court, when a judge told him it was likely he would go to prison if he engaged in similar conduct in future.

Q Why has he been released?

A Robinson has been freed on bail pending a rehearing of the allegation relating to Leeds Crown Court after the finding of contempt was quashed by Court of Appeal judges.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, said the judge at Leeds Crown Court was wrong to deal with Robinson as quickly as he did. He said it was “inappropriate” for the judge to rule on the issue after Robinson took immediate steps to remove the video from the internet and said the case should have been adjourned.

Q What is contempt of court? A Contempt of court law exists to ensure the fairness and integrity of criminal trials.

Q What will happen next?

A Robinson will face a fresh hearing on the alleged contempt of court. Lord Burnett directed the case be heard by a different judge, at the Old Bailey in London. He also invited the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox to appoint a lawyer to appear at the hearing and present the case to the judge.

No date was given for the hearing. If found in contempt, Robinson may be sent back to prison.