English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson is set to be freed on bail after his appeal against a conviction for contempt of court was partially granted. Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett and two other judges in London quashed a finding of contempt made against Robinson at Leeds Crown Court in May when he was sentenced to 13 months in jail. The judges ruled that the process that convicted Robinson was flawed, and he will be released pending a rehearing. Robinson was jailed after he filmed people involved in a criminal trial and broadcast the footage on Facebook. The former EDL leader, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, was not present for Wednesday’s ruling and is expected to be released from prison later. Follow our live blog for updates. Key Events “Stand Up To Racism” counter-protest held 10:58 Cheers in court as Robinson granted bail 10:49 Tommy Robinson freed on bail after winning court battle 10:48 11:23 Robinson not allowed near Leeds Crown Court The judge ordered that there should be “silence” as he carried on reading a summary of the reasons for Wednesday’s ruling. Robinson was not present for the hearing and is expected to be released from prison later. He is not allowed to go within 400m of Leeds Crown Court until the re-hearing. 11:14 Trump diplomat ‘took up Robinson’s cause to UK ambassador’ Sources say Robinson’s cause had been taken up by a representative of US President Donald Trump, Reuters reports. The diplomat raised the case with… [Read full story]
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