Tommy Robinson has been released early from his 18-month jail term for the offence of contempt of court.
The far-right political activist, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had his sentence cut by four months at the High Court last week. He was originally due to be released on 26 July.
The 42-year-old was jailed in October last year after admitting breaching a 2021 High Court order banning him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel.
Speaking outside prison, looking visibly different with longer hair and a bushy beard, he thanked Elon Musk, who had been a vocal supporter of his.
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Robinson’s sentence was made up of a 14-month “punitive” element and a four-month “coercive” element, with sentencing judge Mr Justice Johnson telling him he could have the latter taken off his sentence if he were to “purge” his contempt by taking steps to comply with the injunction.
He applied to purge his contempt at a hearing on 20 May, with his lawyers telling the court he had shown “commitment” to comply with the order.
Lawyers for the Solicitor General agreed Robinson had taken steps to adhere to the injunction.
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In a ruling, Mr Justice Johnson said while there was an “absence of contrition or remorse” from Robinson, he had shown a “change in attitude” since he was sentenced.
He said: “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.”
He continued: “I consider it appropriate to grant the application.”
Robinson said he will organise a free speech festival for supporters later this year.
In a separate case, he is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 June accused of harassing two journalists.
Robinson was charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between 5 August and 7, 2024.
In addition, he is facing a trial in October next year over an accusation that he failed to provide the pin for his mobile phone when stopped by Kent Police in Folkestone in July 2024
