Tommy Robinson conviction leaves far right with leadership void

With heir apparent Danny Tommo also in custody, Robinson’s conviction for harassing journalists is blow to anti-migrant movement

The verdict was met with a groan from Tommy Robinson’s supporters, who had sat behind the dock throughout his harassment trial.

It took more than 11 hours of jury deliberations to find the far-right activist guilty of harassment causing fear of violence to two journalists, enough time for a band of lieutenants and hangers-on to get their hopes up that he might be acquitted.

Yet as Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, potentially faces up to 10 years in prison, another narrative has now taken hold. A miscarriage of justice has taken place, according to messages pumped out across his own media platforms and the ecosystem of self-styled “citizen journalists”.