Difference between revisions of "Stephen Yaxley-Lennon"
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In its July 2010 edition, ''Searchlight'' magazine named Robinson as [[Stephen Yaxley-Lennon]], a former [[British National Party]] member from Bedford sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in 2005 for assaulting an off-duty police officer.<ref>Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, [http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/The-BNP-past-of-EDL-leader The BNP past of the EDL leader], ''Searchlight'', July 2010.</ref> Yaxley-Lennon's name first surfaced in a comment accompanying an anonymously posted video purporting to show Robinson's face. According to a screenshot taken by ''Searchlight'', Robinson appeared to confirm his identity by commenting on Facebook: "hey at least people can see my hansome [sic] face now."<ref>Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, [http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/The-BNP-past-of-EDL-leader The BNP past of the EDL leader], ''Searchlight'', July 2010.</ref> According to the ''One Million United'' blog, Robinson's Facebook page was deleted shortly after publication of the ''Searchlight'' story.<ref>[http://1millionunited.org/blogs/blog/2010/06/26/exclusive-edl-panics-as-exposed-leader-goes-into-hiding/ Exclusive: EDL Panics As Exposed Leader Goes Into Hiding], One Million United Official Blog, 26 June 2010.</ref> | In its July 2010 edition, ''Searchlight'' magazine named Robinson as [[Stephen Yaxley-Lennon]], a former [[British National Party]] member from Bedford sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in 2005 for assaulting an off-duty police officer.<ref>Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, [http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/The-BNP-past-of-EDL-leader The BNP past of the EDL leader], ''Searchlight'', July 2010.</ref> Yaxley-Lennon's name first surfaced in a comment accompanying an anonymously posted video purporting to show Robinson's face. According to a screenshot taken by ''Searchlight'', Robinson appeared to confirm his identity by commenting on Facebook: "hey at least people can see my hansome [sic] face now."<ref>Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, [http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/The-BNP-past-of-EDL-leader The BNP past of the EDL leader], ''Searchlight'', July 2010.</ref> According to the ''One Million United'' blog, Robinson's Facebook page was deleted shortly after publication of the ''Searchlight'' story.<ref>[http://1millionunited.org/blogs/blog/2010/06/26/exclusive-edl-panics-as-exposed-leader-goes-into-hiding/ Exclusive: EDL Panics As Exposed Leader Goes Into Hiding], One Million United Official Blog, 26 June 2010.</ref> | ||
| − | ==Convictions== | + | ==Activities== |
| + | ===Convictions=== | ||
In July 2011, Yaxley-Lennon was found guilty of "using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour" during a clash between rival football fans in Luton on 24 August 2010.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-14278957 EDL founder Stephen Lennon guilty over football brawl], BBC News, 25 July 2011.</ref> | In July 2011, Yaxley-Lennon was found guilty of "using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour" during a clash between rival football fans in Luton on 24 August 2010.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-14278957 EDL founder Stephen Lennon guilty over football brawl], BBC News, 25 July 2011.</ref> | ||
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In 2013, Yaxley-Lennob was imprisoned for 10 months for visiting the United States using someone else's passport. In November 2013, he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring with others to obtain a mortgage by misrepresentation from the Abbey and Halifax building societies in 2009.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25110639 EDL founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon admits mortgage fraud], BBC News, 26 November 2013.</ref> He was subsequently jailed for sixteen months in January 2013.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25862838 Tommy Robinson, former EDL leader, jailed for fraud], BBC News, 23 January 2014.</ref> | In 2013, Yaxley-Lennob was imprisoned for 10 months for visiting the United States using someone else's passport. In November 2013, he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring with others to obtain a mortgage by misrepresentation from the Abbey and Halifax building societies in 2009.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25110639 EDL founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon admits mortgage fraud], BBC News, 26 November 2013.</ref> He was subsequently jailed for sixteen months in January 2013.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25862838 Tommy Robinson, former EDL leader, jailed for fraud], BBC News, 23 January 2014.</ref> | ||
| − | ==New Party== | + | ===New Party=== |
Following the [[Counterjihad London 2011]] meeting in London in September 2011, Yaxley-Lennnon claimed moves were afoot to start a new political party. Reuters reported: | Following the [[Counterjihad London 2011]] meeting in London in September 2011, Yaxley-Lennnon claimed moves were afoot to start a new political party. Reuters reported: | ||
::Lennon revealed that the EDL was in discussions with similar groups across Europe about forming a political party. | ::Lennon revealed that the EDL was in discussions with similar groups across Europe about forming a political party. | ||
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::"There will be an anti-Islamist political party forming his year," he said with confidence. "Britain's primed for it."<ref>Michael Holden, [http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/04/uk-britain-farright-idUKTRE7931BZ20111004 1936 anti-fascist London "battle" has resonance today], Reuters, 4 October 2011.</ref> | ::"There will be an anti-Islamist political party forming his year," he said with confidence. "Britain's primed for it."<ref>Michael Holden, [http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/04/uk-britain-farright-idUKTRE7931BZ20111004 1936 anti-fascist London "battle" has resonance today], Reuters, 4 October 2011.</ref> | ||
| − | ==Departure from EDL== | + | ===Departure from EDL=== |
In October 2013, Yaxley-Lennon announced he and 12 other senior members were leaving the EDL, in a move 'facilitated' by the [[Quilliam Foundation]].<ref>Ian Dunt, [http://politics.co.uk/news/2013/10/08/tommy-robinson-quits-the-edl Tommy Robinson quits the EDL], politics.co.uk, 8 October 2013.</ref> | In October 2013, Yaxley-Lennon announced he and 12 other senior members were leaving the EDL, in a move 'facilitated' by the [[Quilliam Foundation]].<ref>Ian Dunt, [http://politics.co.uk/news/2013/10/08/tommy-robinson-quits-the-edl Tommy Robinson quits the EDL], politics.co.uk, 8 October 2013.</ref> | ||
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::When I met the people from Quilliam, I realized that they could help me with a lot of things. I’m just a working class bloke from Luton. I don’t know how to set up and run a think tank and get donations. I asked if they would teach me and they said yes. They said: ”You may have whatever opinions you like but you will get more out of expressing them in a more political way.”<ref>Ingrid Carlqvist and Lars Hedegaard, [http://www.d-intl.com/2013/11/05/tommy-robinsons-long-journey-has-only-begun/?lang=en Tommy Robinson’s long journey has only begun], ''Dispatch International'', 5 November 2013.</ref> | ::When I met the people from Quilliam, I realized that they could help me with a lot of things. I’m just a working class bloke from Luton. I don’t know how to set up and run a think tank and get donations. I asked if they would teach me and they said yes. They said: ”You may have whatever opinions you like but you will get more out of expressing them in a more political way.”<ref>Ingrid Carlqvist and Lars Hedegaard, [http://www.d-intl.com/2013/11/05/tommy-robinsons-long-journey-has-only-begun/?lang=en Tommy Robinson’s long journey has only begun], ''Dispatch International'', 5 November 2013.</ref> | ||
| − | ==Post-EDL support for 'anti-Islamisation movements'== | + | ===Post-EDL support for 'anti-Islamisation movements'=== |
Since leaving the [[English Defence League]], Yaxley-Lennon has promoted a number of 'anti-Islamisation' / anti-Islam movements to his considerable Twitter following. | Since leaving the [[English Defence League]], Yaxley-Lennon has promoted a number of 'anti-Islamisation' / anti-Islam movements to his considerable Twitter following. | ||
| − | ===Germany=== | + | ====Germany==== |
Yaxley-Lennon has supported the anti-Islam movement [[PEGIDA]] in Germany but has been critical of attempts to start a [[Pegida UK]]. | Yaxley-Lennon has supported the anti-Islam movement [[PEGIDA]] in Germany but has been critical of attempts to start a [[Pegida UK]]. | ||
| − | ===France=== | + | ====France==== |
Yaxley-Lennon has supported rallies in France including a 16 January 2015 demonstration in [[Lyon]] organised by [[Luttons Unis Contre l'Islamisation de l'Europe]] ([[LUCIDE]]) and an 18 January protest organised by [[Riposte Laïque]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/trobinsonnewera/status/552790302051041280 Status 7 January 2015], @TRobinsonNewEra, accessed 19 January 2015</ref> | Yaxley-Lennon has supported rallies in France including a 16 January 2015 demonstration in [[Lyon]] organised by [[Luttons Unis Contre l'Islamisation de l'Europe]] ([[LUCIDE]]) and an 18 January protest organised by [[Riposte Laïque]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/trobinsonnewera/status/552790302051041280 Status 7 January 2015], @TRobinsonNewEra, accessed 19 January 2015</ref> | ||
Revision as of 12:16, 25 August 2015
Tommy Robinson is the pseudonym of the former leader in the English Defence League. According to the Guardian, he is a 28-year-old carpenter from Luton.[1]
In its July 2010 edition, Searchlight magazine named Robinson as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, a former British National Party member from Bedford sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in 2005 for assaulting an off-duty police officer.[2] Yaxley-Lennon's name first surfaced in a comment accompanying an anonymously posted video purporting to show Robinson's face. According to a screenshot taken by Searchlight, Robinson appeared to confirm his identity by commenting on Facebook: "hey at least people can see my hansome [sic] face now."[3] According to the One Million United blog, Robinson's Facebook page was deleted shortly after publication of the Searchlight story.[4]
Contents
Activities
Convictions
In July 2011, Yaxley-Lennon was found guilty of "using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour" during a clash between rival football fans in Luton on 24 August 2010.[5]
The BBC reported:
- He was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order and a three-year ban from football by Luton magistrates. He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £650 in costs.[6]
In 2013, Yaxley-Lennob was imprisoned for 10 months for visiting the United States using someone else's passport. In November 2013, he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring with others to obtain a mortgage by misrepresentation from the Abbey and Halifax building societies in 2009.[7] He was subsequently jailed for sixteen months in January 2013.[8]
New Party
Following the Counterjihad London 2011 meeting in London in September 2011, Yaxley-Lennnon claimed moves were afoot to start a new political party. Reuters reported:
- Lennon revealed that the EDL was in discussions with similar groups across Europe about forming a political party.
- "There will be an anti-Islamist political party forming his year," he said with confidence. "Britain's primed for it."[9]
Departure from EDL
In October 2013, Yaxley-Lennon announced he and 12 other senior members were leaving the EDL, in a move 'facilitated' by the Quilliam Foundation.[10]
In late 2013, Yaxley-Lennon told Lars Hedegaard and Ingrid Carlqvist of Dispatch International:
- When I met the people from Quilliam, I realized that they could help me with a lot of things. I’m just a working class bloke from Luton. I don’t know how to set up and run a think tank and get donations. I asked if they would teach me and they said yes. They said: ”You may have whatever opinions you like but you will get more out of expressing them in a more political way.”[11]
Post-EDL support for 'anti-Islamisation movements'
Since leaving the English Defence League, Yaxley-Lennon has promoted a number of 'anti-Islamisation' / anti-Islam movements to his considerable Twitter following.
Germany
Yaxley-Lennon has supported the anti-Islam movement PEGIDA in Germany but has been critical of attempts to start a Pegida UK.
France
Yaxley-Lennon has supported rallies in France including a 16 January 2015 demonstration in Lyon organised by Luttons Unis Contre l'Islamisation de l'Europe (LUCIDE) and an 18 January protest organised by Riposte Laïque.[12]
Affiliations
- Afzal Amin, British Conservative Party candidate for Dudley North in 2015 [13]
Contact
- Defunct Facebook page Tommy Robinson
- Post-EDL Twitter account @TRobinsonNewEra
External resources
- Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, The BNP past of the EDL leader, Searchlight, July 2010.
- Richard Bartholomew, Searchlight Names EDL Leader “Tommy Robinson” as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, Bartholomew's Notes on Religion, 26 June 2010.
- Nick Lowles, EDL leader refused entry into US, HOPE not hate, 10 September 2010.
- EDL Founder charged with Muslim poppy protest assault, BBC News, 12 November 2010.
- EDL founder denies Armistice Day assault on officer, BBC News, 22 November 2010.
- EDL founder Stephen Lennon's police assault charge dropped, BBC News, 12 January 2011.
- EDL leader Stephen Lennon denies assault charge, BBC News, 24 June 2011.
Notes
- ↑ Robert Booth, Matthew Taylor and Paul Lewis, English Defence League: chaotic alliance stirs up trouble on streets, The Guardian, 12 September 2007
- ↑ Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, The BNP past of the EDL leader, Searchlight, July 2010.
- ↑ Nick Lowles and Simon Cressy, The BNP past of the EDL leader, Searchlight, July 2010.
- ↑ Exclusive: EDL Panics As Exposed Leader Goes Into Hiding, One Million United Official Blog, 26 June 2010.
- ↑ EDL founder Stephen Lennon guilty over football brawl, BBC News, 25 July 2011.
- ↑ EDL founder Stephen Lennon guilty over football brawl, BBC News, 25 July 2011.
- ↑ EDL founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon admits mortgage fraud, BBC News, 26 November 2013.
- ↑ Tommy Robinson, former EDL leader, jailed for fraud, BBC News, 23 January 2014.
- ↑ Michael Holden, 1936 anti-fascist London "battle" has resonance today, Reuters, 4 October 2011.
- ↑ Ian Dunt, Tommy Robinson quits the EDL, politics.co.uk, 8 October 2013.
- ↑ Ingrid Carlqvist and Lars Hedegaard, Tommy Robinson’s long journey has only begun, Dispatch International, 5 November 2013.
- ↑ Status 7 January 2015, @TRobinsonNewEra, accessed 19 January 2015
- ↑ Nicholas Watt and Matthew Taylor, candidate accused of EDL plot urged to 'fess up' and 'go now', The Guardian, 22 March 2015, accessed same day
