UK far-right figure Robinson behind racist, violent UK protests, to leave prison early

LONDON

UK far-right figure Tommy Robinson is expected to be released from prison within days after the High Court reduced his sentence for contempt of court by four months.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 18 months in October of last year after he orchestrated racist and violent protests across the UK, admitting to breaching a court order by repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee.

The injunction had banned him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel.

His sentence included a 14-month "punitive" element and a four-month "coercive" element.

At the time of sentencing, Justice Johnson stated that Robinson could have the coercive part removed if he "purged" his contempt by complying with the injunction.

Robinson applied to purge his contempt during a hearing on Tuesday.

His legal team told the court that he has demonstrated "commitment" to complying with the court order. Lawyers representing the Solicitor General also acknowledged that Robinson has taken steps to adhere to the injunction.

In a ruling, Justice Johnson said that although there is an "absence of contrition or remorse" from Robinson, he has shown a "change in attitude" since being sentenced.

He added: "He (Robinson) has given an assurance that he will comply with the injunction in the future, that he has no intention of breaching it again, and that he is aware of the consequences of what would happen if he breached the injunction again."

Robinson has a long criminal record, with convictions for multiple assaults, mortgage fraud, faking a passport, stalking, contempt of court, and various public order offenses.