Tommy Robinson faces a fresh hearing over an allegation he committed contempt of court by filming people in a trial and broadcasting footage on social media.

The Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has concluded it is in the public interest to bring proceedings against the far-right activist.

The former English Defence League (EDL) leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is due to appear at the High Court on 22 March.

Nicholas Hilliard QC, the Recorder of London, referred the contempt of court case to the attorney general late last year.

In deciding to refer the case to the High Court, Mr Cox was acting independently of government.


He based his decision on an assessment of the evidence and whether it was in the wider public interest to institute proceedings.

Mr Cox said: "After carefully considering the details of this case, I have concluded there are strong grounds to bring fresh contempt of court proceedings against Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

"As proceedings are now underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further and I remind everyone that it is an offence to comment on live court cases."

Robinson was found to be in contempt of court and jailed for 13 months last May.

But he successfully applied to the Court of Appeal for the original finding against him to be quashed.

Contempt of court is punishable by up to two years in prison, and/or a fine.