ENGLISH Defence League founder Tommy Robinson fears there's a "price on his head" in jail after being caged for 13 months for contempt of court.

The 35-year-old far right-wing activist was arrested last week after live streaming an hour-long rant about a sensitive trial outside Leeds Crown Court.

7 Tommy Robinson was arrested outside Leeds Crown Court last week

His barrister has revealed Robinson, whose real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is concerned he may be attacked by inmates offering rewards of drugs or mobile phones.

Matthew Harding said the married dad-of-three had a "price on his head" during his last prison term and had been the victim of assaults in custody.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Robinson was listed on court documents, admitted committing contempt of court by publishing information that could prejudice a sensitive ongoing trial.

The court heard it could cost taxpayers "hundreds and hundreds of thousands of pounds" if a re-trial has to be held.

7 Tommy Robinson was told his actions may have caused the sensitive case to be abandoned Credit: PA:Press Association

7 He was held on suspicion of breaching the peace

7 Robinson is the founder of the English Defence League Credit: PA:Press Association

CONTEMPT DEFINED: What is contempt of court and why can you be jailed for it? Tommy Robinson was today jailed for contempt of court after publishing material that could prejudice an ongoing trial. In the UK, a person can be found in contempt of court if they wilfully defy a court order. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the main types of the offence can be physically interfering in a trial, threatening witnesses or obstructing justice. Showing disrespect to a judge can also be contempt of the court. If someone is in contempt of the Magistrates' Court, a person can be imprisoned for one month or face a fine of up to £2,500. But for those in contempt of a crown court, they can be jailed for up to two years or face a fine. In the UK, media can only report the facts of a case. In the US, contempt of court is generally not considered to be a criminal offence. Due to the First Amendment, the media outlet cannot be found in contempt of court.

Jailing Robinson, judge Geoffrey Marson QC said the "integrity" of the case had to be upheld.

He said: "Nothing may occur which will prejudice the trial.

"He was expressing his views. Everyone understands the right to freedom of speech but there are responsibilities and obligations."

Robinson's barrister Mr Harding said that his client felt "deep regret" over the video.

7 The court was told that Robinson's actions could have cost taxpayers 'hundreds and hundreds of thousands of pounds' Credit: Getty - Contributor

He said Robinson had been aware of the reporting restriction in place in the case but thought what he was saying on camera was already in the public domain.

The barrister added: "He was mindful, having spoken to others and taken advice, not to say things that he thought would actually prejudice these proceedings.

"He did not try to cause difficulties for the court process."

Robinson was already on a suspended sentence for a previous contempt offence in Canterbury last year.

7 Protests were held in Downing Street following his arrest Credit: Rex Features

7 Supporters held up placards calling for him to be released Credit: Rex Features

The activist was arrested during a protest on Friday outside the court with footage showing him being led towards the back of a police van and searched.

His arrest sparked a mass protest outside Downing Street as supporters called for his release.

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Demonstrators held up #FreeTommy placards and police were scrambled to keep crowds under control.

Robinson founded the English Defence League in his hometown of Luton in 2009 and resigned from the group four years later.

The organisation clashed with police during a number of violent marches on Britain's streets.