Tommy Robinson Claims Prison Segregation Is Hurting His Health as He Appeals 18-Month Sentence

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has recently argued that his current prison segregation is negatively affecting his health as part of an appeal for a reduced 18-month sentence. Robinson was sentenced to prison last October for contempt of court after admitting to multiple violations of a High Court order regarding defamatory statements he made against a Syrian refugee, Jamal Hijazi.

The 42-year-old far-right activist had previously been prohibited from making false claims against Hijazi, who had successfully sued Robinson for libel following an assault at school in 2018. Despite this, Robinson continued to make defamatory remarks in various podcasts and YouTube interviews since February 2023, including a 90-minute documentary that reached millions of viewers. His sentencing by Mr. Justice Johnson emphasized that Robinson’s breaches were deliberate and not merely accidental, indicating a severe disregard for legal restrictions.

Currently, Robinson is scheduled for release on July 26 but is seeking to appeal his sentence, citing that his solitary confinement is exacerbating his mental health conditions—specifically ADHD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. His legal representative argued in court that the conditions of his incarceration are making him unwell, a factor that was not fully considered during the initial sentencing.

Despite the claims, the Solicitor General has opposed the appeal, asserting that conditions in segregation are actually more accommodating than standard prison regimes, allowing longer exercise periods and access to communication devices. The Ministry of Justice highlighted that Robinson had received numerous visits while incarcerated, countering his assertions of harsh treatment.

The court's response to Robinson's appeal will be determined later, with judges discussing whether the circumstances of his detention warrant a reduction in his sentence.