A US diplomat complained to the British ambassador about the jailing of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, according to reports.

Sam Brownback, Donald Trump’s ambassador for international religious freedom, suggested the UK should be more “sympathetic” to the former leader of the English Defence League, it is claimed.

During the meeting in Washington DC in June, Mr Brownback even warned Sir Kim Darroch that the Trump administration might publicly criticise the UK’s handling of the case.

The US attempt to lobby on behalf of Robinson was described as a “disgrace” by anti-racism group Hope not Hate.

“Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised given Trump’s racist rants this week but this move should shame the White House,” the group tweeted.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 13 months for committing contempt of court with a Facebook Live video broadcast from outside Leeds Crown Court on 25 May.

The case the 35-year-old was discussing was subject to blanket reporting restrictions imposed under the Contempt of Court Act to ensure that three linked trials did not collapse.

It was Robinson’s second such offence, after he was given a suspended sentence for committing contempt by attempting to film defendants during a rape trial in Canterbury in May 2017.

The Reuters news agency said its report of the meeting between Mr Brownback and Sir Kim was based on information from a British official and two sources close to the organisers of a pro-Robinson demonstration in London on Saturday.

Their sources said Robinson’s supporters had been in touch with the Trump administration and are concerned that he could be attacked by other prisoners.

A US State Department spokesman claimed the “characterisations” of Brownback’s meeting with Darroch were “completely false”.

The British Embassy made no comment about the report of the meeting.

The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Protesters scuffle with police at the junction of Whitehall and The Mall during a 'Free Tommy Robinson' protest AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures A protester wearing a mask of US president Donald Trump was among thousands of supporters of far-right activist and former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson staging a protest outside Downing Street in central London. Rex Features The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures A man empties his beer over passing police AFP/Getty The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Supporters of English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson demonstrate in Whitehall, London, Britain, June 9, 2018. REUTERS/Simon Dawson Reuters The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Dutch far-right opposition leader Geert Wilders addresses thousands of supporters Rex Features The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Mandatory Credit: Photo by Clearpix/REX (9708609j) A demonstration has been held in Central London in support of Tommy Robinson. A large crowd of his supporters marched from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street. A counter demonstration was held some distance away and a large police force was present. Free Tommy Robinson protest, London, UK - 09 Jun 2018 Rex The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Protesters scuffle with police on Whitehall during a 'Free Tommy Robinson' protest on 9 June AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Police watch supporters of Tommy Robinson PA The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures People take part in a support rally for Tommy Robinson Rex Features The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Supporters of far-right spokesman Tommy Robinson demonstrate in Trafalgar square AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Protesters scuffle with police at the junction of Whitehall and The Mall during a 'Free Tommy Robinson' protest on 9 June AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures A man climbs on one of the lions in Trafalgar Square Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Protesters scuffle with police at the junction of Whitehall and The Mall AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Police clear supporters PA The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Beer is thrown as demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Protesters scuffle with police AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Demonstrators clash with police Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Supporters of English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson clash with the police in Whitehall, London on 9 June Reuters The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures An injured police officer during a 'Free Tommy Robinson' protest in London on 9 June AFP/Getty The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Protesters take over a sight-seeing bus on at the junction of Whitehall and The Mall during a 'Free Tommy Robinson' protest on 9 June AFP/Getty Images The Tommy Robinson protest: in pictures Police watch supporters of Tommy Robinson during their protest in Trafalgar Square PA

A US group, the Middle East Forum, claims it is sponsoring and organising the “Free Tommy Robinson” demonstration on Saturday.

Police have imposed restrictions on the protest march in support of Robinson and another march welcoming Donald Trump to the UK “in order to prevent serious disorder and disruption to Londoners”.

The two groups will be allowed to meet in Whitehall for a series of speeches on Saturday afternoon.