Tommy Robinson has reportedly made a run for it after he was arrested and released on bail. What will local authorities do now?
Robinson Has Left the Building
Tommy Robinson, whose name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has fled the UK recently, The Guardian reported.
A Man Is Arrested
On Sunday, the local Kent police reported that a 41-year-old man was arrested over the weekend using the Schedule 7 Terrorism Act. Robinson was taken into custody just a day after his demonstration in London.
A Court Appearance Was Due Monday
The far-right activist was supposed to appear in court following his arrest, but he didn’t show up.
Why the Court Case?
Robinson’s court appearance was connected to him breaking court orders not to replay a tape of him falsely accusing a Syrian boy. This led to a libel case that Robinson lost three years ago.
Protesting Supporters
Clydebank Post reported that Robertson’s supporters were protesting outside Downing Street and New Scotland Yard after the news of the arrest was aired on X (formerly Twitter).
Out on Bail
Despite his arrest, Robinson was released on “unconditional bail.”
Warrant for Robinson’s Arrest
Justice Adam Johnson of the High Court issued a warrant of arrest for Robinson.
Only Due in October
The warrant of arrest is only to be executed by October to give Robinson time to come in of his own accord, The Guardian reported. He also has an option of applying to “set aside the warrant.”
About Schedule 7
According to the UK government, the Act for Schedule 7 was passed in 2000. Under the Act, officers are granted “unique powers” to search the “suspicious” person’s contents crossing UK borders.
Purpose of Schedule 7
Utilising the Act’s authority allows officers to eliminate the “potential threat.” The search investigation would determine whether the person is involved with the commission, preparation, or instigation of terrorism.
Not Used to Discriminate
Under the law, the Act is not meant for discrimination and cannot be used as such.
The Person Must Comply
By law, the Schedule 7 Act requires the person in custody to cooperate and answer questions. The person must also provide all information related to the search and investigation.
Missed Court Despite Being Told
The Solicitor General, Adam Payter, said Robinson was reminded to be at the court hearing.
He Led a Demonstration Over the Weekend
Payter also told the court that Robinson was leading a large demonstration in London. It was reported that police had to keep his group and an opposing group of protestors separate, “keeping the peace.”
Before the Demonstration
Payter mentioned to the court that Robinson was spending more time outside the UK recently. He’s reportedly been to Denmark and Canada.
Returned to Play the Movie
The court was told that Robinson may have only returned to the UK to initiate the demonstration and to violate the court’s injunction.
Served Legal Documentation
The Guardian reported that Payter informed the court that Robinson was served legal documentation. The documents were sent via post and online to ensure that he received them.
Distance From Authorities
According to the solicitor, Robinson stayed out of the UK to ensure that he put “distance” between himself and the UK authorities. Payter added that it seemed like Robinson had been in the country with one mission and to leave soon after.
Missed Court Hearings
It’s not the first injunction Robertson breached. He reportedly did not turn up at a High Court hearing in 2022 and was fined £900. Clydebank Post reported that the nature of Robertson’s finances was in question at that 2022 hearing.
Questioning Police Actions?
Reports say celebrities like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other social media users were questioning the actions of the police when arresting Robertson, The Guardian reported. An MP from Reform UK took to X, commenting, “Is this action proportionate and in line with how the streets of London had recently been policed?” He also said that “urgent details” were needed.
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