Who is Tommy Robinson - the former EDL leader once branded a 'bigoted lunatic'
Former English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson arrives at Canterbury Crown Court, Kent, earlier this year Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA
Telegraph Reporters
British National Party (BNP)
Tommy Robinson, 34, is the former leader of far-right group the English Defence League.
Born in Luton, he trained to become an aircraft engineer but was convicted of assaulting an off-duty police officer and was unable to return to his job in Luton Airport as a result.
His real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley, but he has also gone by other names including Andrew McMaster and Paul Harris.
Previously a member of the BNP, he co-founded the EDL alongside Kevin Carroll in 2009 and led it until October 2013, when both left after speaking to members of counter-extremism think-tank Quilliam.
The EDL's stated aim was to "oppose the rise of radical Islam" and it predominantly operated through holding street demonstrations.
On leaving Robinson said he was concerned about the "dangers of far-right extremism".
However, in 2016 he established Pegida UK, named after the German nationalist, far-right political party Pegida.
Now an adviser to the group, he also works for The Rebel Media, a right-wing Canadian website.
Piers Morgan argues with Tommy Robinson on Good Morning Britain
In May Quilliam said he had come to its offices to "abuse and bully" staff and added that he "seems to have regressed".
In 2014 he was jailed for mortgage fraud and served almost six months in prison.
Earlier this year he was convicted of contempt of court after using a camera inside Canterbury Crown Court, receiving a suspended sentence.
Robinson is married with three children.
Profile | Tommy Robinson