Tommy Robinson court case: Police mount major operation around Old Bailey amid fears of disorder at EDL founder's contempt hearing
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A major police operation is being put in place around the Old Bailey amid fears of disorder at a hearing where Tommy Robinson could be jailed. The 35-year-old’s barrister admitted contempt of court on Robinson’s behalf after he broadcast a Facebook Live video outside the court, talking about the case and “jihad rape gangs”. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Mottershaw of West Yorkshire Police speaking outside Leeds Crown Court about Huddersfield grooming gang Lawyers for the defendants, who have so far been jailed for more than 220 years, applied for the jury in the second trial to be discharged over Robinson’s video. The Court of Appeal refused to quash a separate finding of contempt from Canterbury Crown Court in May 2017, saying criticism by Robinson’s legal team “had no substance”.