The Solicitor General launched legal action against Tommy Robinson in June over an alleged breach of a court order.
Monday 29 July 2024 15:46, UK
A High Court judge has issued an arrest warrant for far-right activist Tommy Robinson after he "left the UK last night" and failed to appear at a hearing in an alleged contempt of court case.
Mr Justice Johnson said he would issue the warrant - but ordered for it not to be carried out "until early October" to allow Robinson time to indicate that he would attend the next hearing voluntarily, or to apply to "set aside" the warrant.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was due to appear at the Royal Courts Of Justice on Monday, but did not attend and was not represented.
The Solicitor General launched legal action against Robinson in June over an alleged breach of a court order after he lost a libel battle in 2021.
But Adam Payter, representing the Solicitor General at the hearing, said Robinson had been part of a "large demonstration" in central London on Saturday, which featured the showing of a film that was "central to this application" and showed a "flagrant" and "admitted" breach of the court order.
He added Robinson "is not within the jurisdiction of the UK" and had returned to the UK "with the purpose of publishing the film" before leaving the country again "to put himself beyond the reach of this court's jurisdiction".
Arrest in Kent
The court heard that Saturday's incident is not currently the subject of contempt of court proceedings, with police saying officers are making further inquiries.
Kent Police did not name the political campaigner but confirmed a 41-year-old man had been arrested on Sunday for the "frustration" of a port stop at the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone.
At the hearing on Monday, Mr Payter said: "We understand he failed to co-operate with a port stop and search.
"The implication is he was attempting to leave the country and therefore was not intending to attend this hearing this morning."
He added that Robinson was reminded of Monday's hearing before being released on unconditional bail at 10pm on Sunday, but it is now believed he "left the UK last night and there was nothing to prevent him from doing so".
Mr Justice Johnson said he was "entirely satisfied" the hearing could proceed in Robinson's absence, telling the court a further hearing in the case is expected to be held in October.
