
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson arrives for his sentencing at the Old Bailey in London this morning

The Ministry of Justice is braced for further protests after Tommy Robinson has told supporters to demostrate outside 'whatever prison' he is sent to after he was jailed for contempt amid.

His supporters rioted on the streets of London, set fire to European Union flags and threw bottles at police officers today as he was jailed for a second time for contempt of court for nine months.

Following his sentence, Robinson used his Telegram - which he uses after having his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter profiles suspended - to encourage supporters to protest on Saturday outside 'whatever prison' he is sent to.

Ex-UKIP leader Gerard Batten has claimed Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been transferred to maximum security prison Belmarsh - which currently houses Wikileaks Julian Assange and the jihidai extremists who murdered Lee Rigby.

In a tweet Mr Batten said: 'Tommy Robinson sent to Belmarsh max security prison run by jihadi terrorist gangs (for contempt of court?).

'UKIP Peer Lord Pearson to put Written Q to HM Govnt in Hse of Lords on Mon: 'What steps are HM Govnt taking to ensure the safety in prison of Stephen Yaxely-Lennon?'

Supporters of Robinson have also been sharing what is allegedly his prisoner number on social media.

Belmarsh is the default place prisoners are taken to from the Old Bailey initially before being transferred to another prison to serve their sentence, unless other provisions are made.

A legal source said convicts serving less than six months often serve out their sentence at Belmarsh, rather than being moved to a different facility, due to the administration required to move them elsewhere.

Robinson is serving a sentence of 19 weeks - but will only be behind bars for less than ten weeks.

Belmarsh is a Category A prison and houses a number of convicted terrorists, or people convicted of terror related offences. But also holds people convicted of other serious crimes such as the black-cab rapist John Worboys.

The Ministry of Justice do not comment on where prisoners are taken.

The English Defence League founder, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was branded a 'liar' by the judge as his supporters set off smoke bombs outside the Old Bailey and he called for more demonstrations, before they marched to the Houses of Parliament.

BBC journalists filming on the College Garden were verbally abused, physically intimidated and had their equipment attacked before police officers arrived.

Robinson, 36, was told the time he previously spent behind bars for confronting members of an Asian sex gang during their trial in Leeds in May 2018 would be taken into account, reducing his sentence to 19 weeks - of which he will serve half before his release.

Supporters of Tommy Robinson protest outside the Houses of Parliament at Parliament Square in London this afternoon

A man sets fire to a European Union flag outside the House of Parliament before a police officer stamps out the flames

A protester is detained by police after scuffles break out outside the House of Parliament during the demonstration today

Supporters of Robinson protest outside the Old Bailey after the English Defence League founder was jailed this morning

Clashes break out between police and supporters of Robinson after the sentencing at the Old Bailey in London today

Robinson supporters walk through the streets of the City of London after gathering outside the Old Bailey this morning

Supporters of Robinson confront riot police outside the Houses of Parliament in London today

Riot police gather after the English Defence League founder was handed a nine-month sentence at the Old Bailey today

Robinson, whose sentence was made up of six months for the Leeds contempt, plus three months for an earlier contempt committed at Canterbury Crown Court in 2017, looked at the public gallery and winked as he was led to the cells through the dock, carrying a holdall.

Outside court, Robinson's supporters booed as news of his sentence filtered through and officers donned their helmets as violent clashes erupted. The crowd marched towards the court chanting 'we want Tommy out' before some began pelting police with drinks bottles and cans. Some protesters chanted 'paedo protectors' at officers.

His account on Telegram - which he uses after having his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter profiles suspended - said: 'Sentenced to prison for journalism. Time for protests to start, this is an absolute joke! Protest outside whatever prison I'm in on Saturday please.'

Robinson said two colleagues would take charge of planning a protest outside the prison he is sent to, adding: 'Hopefully by this Saturday, I'm laying there in my cell and I can just hear all your voices outside whichever s***hole HMP I'm in. Just want to say to everyone I appreciate whilst I'm in there I know people will be fighting for me. But I'll be fine in there.'

A prison van believed to contain Robinson later left the court to cheers from supporters, with several shouting 'We love you, Tommy!' as the van pulled away. At least four people were arrested over the protests by City of London - a woman aged 28 and two men aged 60 and 50 for affray, and a woman aged 61 for a public order offence.'

Before the hearing had even begun this morning, his supporters, including five women on mobility scooters, waved Union flags outside the court amid a heavy police presence and people chanted his name.

Robinson walked through a throng of people to get to the court at about 9.40am, wearing paint-splattered ripped blue jeans, a black T-shirt - which said 'convicted of journalism' on the front and 'Britain = North Korea' on the back - and a badge reading 'I support soldiers A-Z'.

But Robinson, who attended media law training in June 2017, was ten minutes late for the start of his hearing after speaking to his supporters outside the court, with the judge telling him: 'It's not a very good start.'

Robinson, who is from Luton, Bedfordshire, and travelled by train, arrived amid chaotic scenes - with scores of supporters blocking nearby roads as they went to greet him. He also was mobbed by fans as he made his way towards the court building with his legal team.

Passing sentence today, Dame Victoria Sharp said: 'We are in no doubt that the custody threshold is crossed in this case, in particular having regard to the common law contempt that the respondent committed. Nothing less than a custodial penalty would properly reflect the gravity of the conduct we have identified.'

She said that the purpose of sentencing for contempt was 'punishment and deterrence of the contemnor', adding: 'The court is also concerned to demonstrate its determination to uphold the rule of law.'

Tommy Robinson supporters set off smoke bombs outside the Old Bailey this morning while he waited be sentenced

Police officers try to maintain order as Robinson's supporters protest at his sentencing this morning for contempt of court

People protest today outside the Old Bailey after English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson is jailed for nine months

Robinson was found guilty of filming defendants accused of child sex offences outside Leeds Crown Court

Robinson supporters march outside the Houses of Parliament today after he was jailed for nine months for contempt of court

The protest comes after Robinson, 36, of Luton, Bedfordshire, was found to have committed contempt of court last Friday

Scuffles break out as a protester interferes with a BBC broadcast outside the Houses of Parliament today

Robinson's supporters shout at police as they protest outside the Old Bailey in London during his sentencing this morning

Riot police stands next to supporters of Robinson during the protest outside the Old Bailey in London this morning

Dame Victoria said Robinson's 11 convictions for violent crime, public order offences, fraud and disobedience of court orders were an aggravating factor.

'He lied': Comments from Dame Victoria Sharp Passing sentence, Dame Victoria Sharp said: 'We are in no doubt that the custody threshold is crossed in this case, in particular having regard to the common law contempt that the respondent committed. 'Nothing less than a custodial penalty would properly reflect the gravity of the conduct we have identified. 'The court is also concerned to demonstrate its determination to uphold the rule of law. 'The respondent (Robinson) cannot be given credit for pleading guilty. He has lied about a number of matters and sought to portray himself as the victim of unfairness and oppression. 'This does not increase his sentence, but it does mean that there can be no reduction for an admission of guilt.' Advertisement

The judge continued: 'The respondent (Robinson) cannot be given credit for pleading guilty. He has lied about a number of matters and sought to portray himself as the victim of unfairness and oppression.

'This does not increase his sentence, but it does mean that there can be no reduction for an admission of guilt.'

The Ministry of Justice would not confirm where he would be sent to jail, although he was held in both HMP Hull and HMP Onley near Rugby last year.

Robinson's barrister Richard Furlong raised the possibility of an appeal against the court's decision on contempt and was told he now has 28 days to apply.

Robinson, who stood as an MEP in the European Elections in May but lost his deposit, showed little reaction as the judge announced his sentence.

He looked up at the public gallery and winked as he was led to the cells through the secure dock in the centre of the courtroom, carrying a holdall.

Earlier on at the start of the hearing, Mr Furlong apologised on his client's behalf for his late arrival.

He told Dame Victoria and Mr Justice Warby that Robinson had arrived at a nearby train station 20 minutes before the hearing was due to begin, but was delayed by 'a number of people outside who are here to support him'. Dame Victoria replied: 'Well, it's not a very good start, is it?'.

Aidan Eardley, representing the Attorney General, told the court about previous punishments handed out in cases of contempt.

He said that cases of 'strict liability' contempt have previously been dealt with by way of a fine, rather than a jail term, but he said these were 'typically' cases involving media organisations rather than individuals.

A man holds a piece of card saying 'state is enemy within' as Robinson supporters protest about his sentencing today

A supporter of Robinson wearing a T-shirt saying 'British Hero' protests outside the Houses of Parliament in London today

Throughout the Old Bailey hearing last Thursday and Friday, Robinson denied any wrongdoing. Pictured: The protest today

Robinson is labelled a 'political prisoner' by his supporters outside the court today after he was jailed for contempt of court

Robinson supporters gather outside the Old Bailey in London after he was jailed for nine months for contempt of court today

Angry scenes outside the Old Bailey as Robinson is sentenced for contempt of court at the court in London today

Police in riot gear watch Robinson supporters outside the Old Bailey in London after he was jailed for nine months today

One supporter of Robinson carried a sign today reading: 'The Nazis blindly followed orders. Will the police do the same'

Robinson supporters gather at the Old Bailey this morning as the founder of English Defence League is sentenced

In mitigation, Mr Furlong asked the court to consider any 'actual harm caused' by Robinson's actions.

Why Tommy Robinson was found in contempt of court and what it means Why was Tommy Robinson jailed in May 2018? Robinson was jailed after a judge at Leeds Crown Court found him in contempt of court in May. The judge determined that Robinson's broadcasting of a video online breached a court order which postponed any reporting of a trial until the conclusion of another, linked, trial. He was jailed within five hours of the video being filmed and posted online. He was previously given a suspended sentence for contempt at Canterbury Crown Court, when a judge told him it was likely he would go to prison if he engaged in similar conduct in future. What is contempt of court? Contempt of court law exists to ensure the fairness and integrity of criminal trials. Where a judge believes there is a 'substantial risk of serious prejudice' to a defendant, an order may be made under the Contempt of Court Act which postpones the reporting of a trial until its conclusion. When making such an order, a judge has to balance the interests of justice in a fair trial taking place with other interests - including free speech and open justice. In most cases where someone is alleged to be in contempt of court, the matter will be referred to the Attorney General. Advertisement

He said: 'Notwithstanding the seriousness of what has been found to be proven against him, in terms of actual harm to the trial of the criminal defendants in Leeds there is no suggestion that the criminal defendants in Leeds did not have a fair trial, notwithstanding his conduct outside the court'.

Mr Furlong asked the court to consider the delay in bringing the current proceedings, saying: 'There has been an additional 14 months since the incident on May 25 (2018).' He added: 'There have been no further instances of contempt.'

Outside, Robinson supporters made their way to Parliament's Carriage Gates to protest, blocking the roads around Parliament Square as they marched and tore down EU flags.

There were further angry clashes with police outside Westminster Abbey after one protester was pinned to the ground by police officers before being bundled into the back of a van.

Other members of the group confronted police, threw drinks and sat on either side of the van to stop it moving.

Earlier, a man with a microphone addressed the crowd, saying: 'We're here for Tommy Robinson' and 'Leave our Tommy alone'.

One supporter carried a sign reading: 'The Nazis blindly followed orders. Will the police do the same.'

Scotland Yard said around 200 protesters gathered at the Old Bailey at around 8.30am ahead of Robinson's sentencing before making their way to Parliament Square. The force said it made no arrests in connection with the demonstrations.

Supporters, who also included a man wearing a Union flag suit, chanted 'Shame on you' as police officers surrounded a man and marched him away this morning.

Robinson's supporters gathered at a double-decker bus blocking the street at the the Ludgate Hill end. A stage was erected and speakers including former Ukip leader Gerard Batten addressed the crowd.

Robinson arrives next to a City of London security guard for his sentencing for contempt of court at the Old Bailey today

Robinson was ten minutes late for the start of his hearing after speaking to his supporters outside the court in London today

Robinson arrived at the court today amid a heavy police presence as people chanted his name and 'We want Tommy out'

Robinson wore a black T-shirt today, which said 'convicted of journalism' on the front and 'Britain = North Korea' on the back

Dame Victoria and Mr Justice Warby found Robinson was in contempt in three respects when he filmed men accused of the sexual exploitation of young girls and live-streamed the footage on Facebook, in breach of a reporting ban, outside Leeds Crown Court in May 2018.

Timeline of the Tommy Robinson contempt of court case May 25, 2018: Robinson is jailed for 13 months for contempt of court after Facebook Live protest outside a trial in Leeds. May 27, 2018: Sentence sparks protests in London including outside Downing Street. July 18, 2018: Robinson launches appeal. August 1, 2018: Judges order his release and say he must face new hearing. September 27, 2018: A new contempt of court case at the Old Bailey is adjourned after Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC asks for written submissions from all parties. October 19, 2018: The Huddersfield grooming case is fully reported after the conclusion of all the trials. October 23, 2018: After considering submissions, judge says case is 'too complex' and evidence must be considered by Attorney General. March 7, 2019: Attorney General decides the case should be reheard. May 14, 2019: High Court judges rule he will face new contempt of court proceedings July 5, 2019: Robinson is found guilty Advertisement

Giving reasons for the decision on Tuesday, Dame Victoria said Robinson encouraged 'vigilante action' in the video, which lasted an hour-and-a-half and was viewed online 250,000 times on the morning of the broadcast.

The judge said the words he used in the video would have been understood by viewers as 'an incitement' to harass the defendants and 'gave rise to a real risk the course of justice would be seriously impeded'.

Throughout the Old Bailey hearing, Robinson denied any wrongdoing, saying he did not believe he was breaching reporting restrictions and only referred to information that was already in the public domain.

But Dame Victoria and Mr Justice Warby found he was in contempt by breaching the reporting restriction imposed on the trial, by live-streaming the video from outside the public entrance to the court and by 'aggressively confronting and filming' some of the defendants.

A number of Robinson's supporters who gathered outside the court last Thursday and Friday reacted angrily after the result was announced.

Robinson broadcast the footage while the jury in the second of a series of linked grooming trials was considering its verdict.

The video was eventually viewed 3.4 million times after being shared following his arrest.

A reporting restriction was in place which postponed the publication of any details of the case until the end of all the trials involving 29 people, in a bid to ensure all defendants received a fair trial.

Robinson's supporters gathered at a double-decker bus blocking the street at the Ludgate Hill end this morning

Robinson arrives at the Old Bailey this morning be sentenced for contempt of court over a video he broadcast online

Supporters of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson at the Old Bailey in London today ahead of his sentencing

A Tommy Robinson supporter holds a Union Jack flag as people gather outside the Old Bailey in London this morning

A man with a microphone addressed the crowd today, saying: 'We're here for Tommy Robinson' and 'Leave our Tommy alone'

Stand Up To Racism demonstrators stand outside the Old Bailey in London as Robinson arrives for his sentencing today

A woman holds a poster during a Stand Up To Racism demonstration outside the Old Bailey in London this morning

Robinson (right, pictured in London after the court finding last Friday) was found to have been in contempt when he filmed men accused of sexual exploitation and live-streamed the footage on Facebook outside Leeds Crown Court in May 2018 (left)

Robinson was jailed for 13 months after being found in contempt of court on the day of the broadcast.

He served two months in jail before being freed after the original finding of contempt was overturned by the Court of Appeal in August 2018.

Robinson begs Donald Trump to give him US asylum over fears 'Jihadi gangs will murder him' Tommy Robinson speaks to InfoWars on Tuesday Tommy Robinson begged Donald Trump to give him asylum in the US, claiming being sent to a British jail would be a 'death sentence'. Ahead of the sentencing, Robinson pleaded on Tuesday with Mr Trump to let him live in America. He told the far-right InfoWars website: 'I beg Donald Trump, I beg the American government, to look at my case. 'I need evacuation from this country because dark forces are at work. 'This is a direct appeal on behalf of my family – we love the United States, I have no future here [in Britain]. The country has fallen.' He added: 'I feel like I'm two days away from being sentenced to death'. Advertisement

But the case was then referred back to the Attorney General, who announced in March that it was in the public interest to bring fresh proceedings against Robinson.

Dame Victoria and Mr Justice Warby gave permission for the Attorney General to bring a new case against Robinson at a hearing in May.

Anyone found in contempt of court can be jailed for up to two years, receive an unlimited fine, or both.

In an appearance on the far-right conspiracy theory website InfoWars on Monday, Robinson asked US President Donald Trump to grant him asylum in America, claiming he faced being killed in prison if he was jailed.

Robinson's previous convictions include one for assault in 2011 when he headbutted someone at an EDL march in Blackburn; leading a brawl involving 100 Luton Town football fans in the same year; and travelling to US on a friend's passport in 2013, for which he was jailed for ten months.

Speaking after the sentencing today, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC said: 'Today's sentencing of Yaxley-Lennon serves to illustrate how seriously the courts will take matters of contempt.

'Posting material online that breaches reporting restrictions or risks prejudicing legal proceedings has consequences, and I would urge everyone to think carefully about whether their social media posts could amount to contempt of court.'

Nick Lowles, chief executive of HOPE not hate, said: 'Stephen Lennon put at risk the trial of men accused of horrendous crimes with his livestreaming antics. He doesn't care about the victims of grooming, he only cares about himself.

'He now faces yet another stint behind bars. So far this year, he's been humiliated at the ballot box, kicked off social media platforms for hate speech, jailed for contempt, and it's only July.'

The Society of Editors has responded to Robinson's claim that he was 'convicted of journalism', referring to the slogan he wore on a T-shirt as he arrived at court, saying it was a 'dangerous distortion of the truth'.

Executive director Ian Murray said that Robinson had broken the law by ignoring the laws of contempt that any junior reporter working for a reputable news provider would be aware of.

He said: 'While anyone can claim to be a journalist in this country, and there is no appetite nor should there be for the licensing of journalists in the UK, the mainstream British media adheres to the laws of the land, is correctly regulated and ensures its journalists are highly trained.

'I am not aware that Robinson has any formal training as a journalist, and to claim his trial and sentencing is an attack of journalism itself is a farce.

'Sadly there are people who wish to see the media in the UK emasculated and these sorts of claims are so obviously unfounded they provide ammunition to attack us with.'