Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist and founder of the English Defence League, was reported to be operating in a “vigilante world” when he employed private investigators to track two journalists, a court heard during his trial. Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, faces two charges of harassment causing fear of violence directed at reporters Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber.

The incident followed the publication of a Daily Mail article that Robinson objected to, which accused him of “stoking race riots from his sunbed.” In response, he reportedly sent photographers to the journalists’ homes. Prosecutor Ben Holt argued that a video Robinson posted, which referenced “Men’s Rules” applying to those he believed endangered his family, amounted to a threat designed to instill fear of violence in the victims.

Addressing the court, Holt emphasized the importance of upholding legal standards, stating, “Let’s get real shall we, and not live in a vigilante world where Men’s Rules apply, whatever they are. Let’s ground ourselves in a country where there is law and order.” Robinson denies the charges against him.

The trial remains ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence in the case.