British TV channels interrupted their regular broadcast on Tuesday morning after Tommy Robinson was released from prison four months early.Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court after repeatedly breaching a 2021 injunction. The injunction had been granted to prevent him from making false claims against a Syrian refugee, who later won a libel case against him.GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes told viewers: “Tommy Robinson has been released from jail, that is four months early. He was originally jailed for 18 months for contempt of court after multiple breaches of an injunction, that was four years ago, but reportedly showed a “change in attitude.”“He was originally due to be released on July 26,” he added. Robinson looked visibly changed in his first public appearance since his release, sporting a thick beard and appearing older. Social media quickly reacted to the images, with many saying he was “unrecognisable.”Court decision follows legal application to purge contemptRobinson’s early release came after a legal request to purge his contempt of court charge. His lawyers told the high court he had demonstrated a “commitment” to complying with the injunction. This commitment included refraining from repeating defamatory statements about the Syrian teenager.Although progress had been made, Justice Johnson said Robinson still showed “no real remorse or contrition.” Even so, he noted there had been a “change in attitude” since sentencing, which helped justify cutting the sentence.Lawyers representing the Solicitor General did not oppose the move, saying Robinson had taken necessary steps to follow the terms of the court order.Controversial figure remains divisiveRobinson remains one of the UK’s most controversial political figures. He co-founded the far-right English Defence League in 2009 and has faced multiple legal issues since. His supporters have often claimed he is unfairly targeted by the establishment, while critics have long denounced his inflammatory rhetoric and criminal record.His release will likely reignite debate over freedom of speech, contempt of court, and the limits of public discourse. The very issues Robinson himself has often used as rallying cries.Following Robinson’s release, the reaction online was swift and polarised. Supporters celebrated his release, while critics questioned the decision and the message it might send.
