A British judge has delayed the verdict in Tommy Robinson’s counter-terrorism trial by three weeks to accommodate the far-right activist’s trip to Israel, where he will be hosted by government officials.
District Judge Sam Goozee agreed to postpone his ruling until 4th November after hearing that the 42-year-old would be travelling to Israel as a guest of the country’s government. The decision has sparked controversy, with critics questioning why court proceedings should be adjusted to fit Robinson’s international travel plans.
Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this week facing charges of refusing to comply with counter-terrorism police at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone on 28th July last year. The case centres on his alleged refusal to provide the PIN code for his mobile phone when stopped by officers.
Court Proceedings Adjusted for Political Visit
The prosecution and defence concluded their arguments on Tuesday, leaving the verdict in the hands of Judge Goozee. However, as the judge attempted to schedule a date for his decision, defence barrister Alisdair Williamson KC informed the court that his client would be unavailable.
“He is a guest of the Israeli government in Israel tomorrow,” Williamson told Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Judge Goozee responded by stating he would “accommodate” Robinson’s “current travel arrangements”, pushing the verdict date back by three weeks.
The decision to delay court proceedings for an international trip has raised eyebrows among legal observers, particularly given the nature of the charges Robinson faces under counter-terrorism legislation.
Elon Musk Bankrolling Legal Defence
In a social media statement following the hearing, Robinson announced his travel plans whilst making an extraordinary claim about his legal funding. Thank you to Elon Musk for standing by me and covering my legal costs,” the former English Defence League founder wrote.
The Tesla chief executive has not publicly confirmed whether he is financing Robinson’s defence, and the claim remains unverified. However, Robinson has repeatedly referenced Musk’s alleged support throughout the legal proceedings.
“Now that my trial is behind me, I will have my verdict handed down on November 4 in London,” Robinson posted on X. “I’m leaving soon for a trip to Israel, a proud patriot coming tomorrow to stand with the Jewish state and deepen my understanding of the fight against jihad.”
Controversial Israeli Government Welcome
Robinson revealed he had been in direct contact with Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism. The minister publicly confirmed his invitation, describing Robinson as a “British patriot” following a recent attack at a Manchester synagogue.
“Tommy is a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam,” Chikli declared. “At a time when Jews across Europe face rising antisemitism, it is vital to strengthen bonds with allies who refuse to be silent.”
The minister added that Robinson has “proven himself a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people, unafraid to speak the truth and confront hate”. Chikli pledged that “Israel will always stand with the Jewish community and our allies worldwide” and praised Robinson for helping to “build stronger bridges of solidarity, fight terror, and defend Western civilisation and our shared values”.
Jewish Community Leaders Issue Scathing Rebuke
The invitation has triggered fierce backlash from British Jewish community organisations, who issued a joint condemnation describing Robinson as “a thug who represents the very worst of Britain”.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council released a strongly-worded statement attacking both Robinson and the Israeli minister who invited him. “His presence undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion,” the organisations stated.
They reserved particularly harsh criticism for Minister Chikli himself. “Minister Chikli has proven himself to be a diaspora minister in name only. In our darkest hour, he has ignored the views of the vast majority of British Jews, who utterly and consistently reject Robinson and everything he stands for.”
The rebuke highlights a significant divide between certain elements of the current Israeli government and mainstream British Jewish institutions, which have consistently distanced themselves from Robinson’s anti-Islamic rhetoric and street activism.
Criminal History and Ongoing Legal Troubles
Robinson faces potential imprisonment if convicted in the current case. He could receive up to three months behind bars for failing to comply with Schedule 7 counter-terrorism powers, which grant police authority to examine devices at ports and borders.
This is far from Robinson’s first brush with the law. He has previously served time for contempt of court on two separate occasions. One conviction stemmed from his decision to livestream outside Leeds Crown Court in 2018 during an ongoing trial involving grooming gangs, potentially prejudicing the proceedings and risking the collapse of the case.
Robinson was also found in contempt after losing a civil libel case brought by a Syrian refugee. Despite the court ruling, Robinson continued repeating false allegations about the individual, leading to further legal consequences.
His criminal record extends beyond contempt charges, with previous convictions for assault, fraud, and using a false passport. Robinson founded the English Defence League in 2009, a street movement characterised by aggressive anti-Islamic demonstrations that frequently resulted in violence and public disorder across British cities.
International Connections and Political Support
Robinson’s claim about Musk’s financial support reflects his growing connections with international far-right networks and wealthy benefactors sympathetic to his cause. The Tesla billionaire has previously made controversial statements about immigration and Islam in Europe, leading some commentators to draw connections between his views and Robinson’s activism.
Last month, Robinson organised a “Unite the Kingdom” rally in central London that attracted between 110,000 and 150,000 supporters, according to estimates. The demonstration represented one of the largest far-right gatherings in Britain in recent years, raising concerns among anti-racism campaigners about the growing mainstream appeal of Robinson’s message.
Robinson’s planned itinerary in Israel includes visiting the Gaza Envelope and the site of the Nova Festival massacre, meeting with Israeli Defence Force soldiers, and engaging with individuals affected by the 7th October attacks. He described the visit as “meaningful” and expressed gratitude for Minister Chikli’s “invitation and friendship”.
Questions Over Judicial Independence
Legal experts have questioned Judge Goozee’s decision to accommodate Robinson’s travel plans, particularly given the serious nature of the charges. Counter-terrorism legislation exists to protect national security, and some commentators have suggested that allowing a defendant to delay proceedings for a political trip sets an unusual precedent.
The case will resume on 4th November when Judge Goozee is expected to deliver his verdict. If found guilty, Robinson faces imprisonment, though the exact sentence would depend on various factors including his previous criminal history and the specific circumstances of the alleged offence.
Robinson’s supporters view his prosecution as politically motivated persecution, whilst critics argue he consistently flouts the law and uses his platform to spread divisive rhetoric that damages community relations and fuels hatred against Muslims in Britain.
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Image Credit:
Tommy Robinson at Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park — photo by Shayan Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
