Former EDL leader Tommy Robinson freed as judges quash contempt ruling *****By Gareth Davies
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/01/former-edl-leader-tommy-robinson-freed-judges-quash-contempt/
Former English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson has been freed on bail by leading judges after winning his challenge against a contempt of court finding.
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.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday, Lord Burnett said the court was allowing his appeal “in respect of the committal for contempt at Leeds Crown Court”.
He added: “The appellant is granted bail and the matter of contempt at Leeds Crown Court is remitted to be heard again.”
The judges had been urged to overturn two contempt of court findings against Robinson, 35, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon – made at Leeds Crown Court and at Canterbury Crown Court.
Supporters in the packed courtroom broke into a round of applause as Lord Burnett announced the decision.
Robinson was not present for the ruling and is expected to be released later from prison. A date for a new hearing has yet to be announced.
About 25 Robinson supporters had gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice by the time the ruling was made.
They cheered when news of the decision filtered through. A similar number of people staged a “Stand Up To Racism” protest.
The two groups were separated by a line of police and exchanged chants.
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