Nigel Farage’s nephew dodges prison after upskirting woman in a shop
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Nigel Farage’s nephew dodges prison after upskirting woman in a shop Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo After admitting to the courts that he committed the act of upskirting, Nigel Farage’s nephew Joseph escaped with a fine. It’s not been a great few weeks for Reform, or its leader. Following rumblings from Elon Musk and lacklustre by-election performances, a new PR nightmare has emerged – after Nigel Farage’s nephew was found guilty of upskirting. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 What is upskirting? The offence, criminalised six years ago, is the practice of placing a photographic device beneath a woman’s clothing without consent, with the intention of enabling oneself or a third person to observe the genitals, buttocks or underwear of the victim. Appearing in the dock last Friday, Nigel Farage’s nephew – named Joseph – pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court. Although this crime is punishable by a prison sentence, the defendant escaped with a fine of £576 – plus £200 in compensation. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Who is Nigel Farage’s nephew? Details of the case are not extensive, but Joseph Farage admitted to placing his mobile phone beneath the clothing of his victim, for the purpose of sharing with a third-party and with the intention to ‘humiliate and distress’ the woman in question. The offence took place in the Orpington branch of Co-Op. The 31-year-old also runs his own electrical firm in Kent, and has two children of his own. In what may come as a surprise to some, he was not placed on the sex offenders register for this offence. Why Nigel Farage’s nephew will only pay a fine for his upskirting offence… Authorities state that, because the victim was over the age of 18, there is no automatic submission to the register. At a time where Nigel Farage and his colleagues are sounding off about ‘two-tier policing’, this incident does very little to help their cause. Alongside the fine and compensation, Nigel Farage’s nephew was also ordered to pay a further £230 for a victim surcharge, and £85 in prosecution fees, taking his total bill to £1,091. No further action will now be taken. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Orpington man Joseph Farage fined for upskirting offence 240125
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Orpington man Joseph Farage fined for upskirting offence Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo Nigel Farage’s Nephew An Orpington man has been fined £576 after he was convicted of ‘upskirting’ a woman at Co-op. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 Joseph Farage, 31, of Foxwood Grove, admitted placing a mobile phone beneath her clothing without consent with the intention of enabling himself or a third person to observe the genitals, buttocks or underwear of the woman. Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s Upskirting was made an offence in England and Wales six years ago. The offence took place on July 17 last year. He pleaded guilty to the offence and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court for sentencing last Friday (January 17). He was ordered to pay £200 compensation and was fined £576. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Tommy Robinson to face contempt of court proceedings 120422
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Tommy Robinson to face contempt of court proceedings Banzai Japan Music Video Tommy Robinson has been summonsed to face contempt proceedings after he failed to attend court to answer questions over his finances. The English Defence League founder, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, missed last month’s High Court hearing. He was due to be quizzed over unpaid legal bills after he lost a libel case brought by a Syrian teenager last year. Mr Justice Nicklin said an arrest warrant could be issued if Yaxley-Lennon fails to attend court on 6 May. In an order dated last Friday, the senior judge said the defendant’s previous non-attendance was referred to him as a potential contempt of court. Book Novotel Hotel Yaxley-Lennon was successfully sued by Jamal Hijazi, a former schoolboy who was the victim of an attack at a Huddersfield school featured in a viral video. A court found Yaxley-Lennon had falsely claimed in two Facebook videos posted in October 2018 that Mr Hijazi had attacked female pupils. The defendant was ordered to pay more than £43,000 in legal costs at a preliminary hearing in November 2020, and declared bankruptcy about four months later. March’s hearing was told this was later discharged. Tommy Robinson fails to appear at court hearing Tommy Robinson pursued by creditors for up to £2m Banzai Japan Music Video Mr Hijazi’s lawyers, who successfully applied to bring Yaxley-Lennon to court to discuss his finances, claim his bankruptcy application was “not a full account of [his] assets”. Judge John Dagnell, who presided over the missed hearing, agreed the defendant “knew perfectly well” he was required to be in court and referred the case. Robinson was jailed for contempt of court in May 2018 after he livestreamed footage of defendants in a grooming gang case, in breach of a reporting ban. He served two months of a 13-month jail term before being freed upon appeal, only to be jailed again for the offence in July 2019 after the case was referred back to the Attorney General. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Japan chain shuts shops after pests found in food
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Japan chain shuts shops after pests found in food Banzai Japan Music Video One of Japan’s biggest restaurant chains is closing its outlets for deep cleaning, after two incidents of customers finding pests, including a rat, in their food. Sukiya, known for its beef-on-rice dishes, announced the temporary closure after an insect was found by a customer. Last weekend, it admitted that a rat had been discovered in a bowl of miso soup in January. The chain, which has nearly 2,000 restaurants, said most of its sites would be shut between 31 March and 4 April “to prevent external intrusion and internal infestation of pests and vermin”. In a statement, external, it apologised for the “great inconvenience and concern caused”. Book Novotel Hotel Rumours about the rat-in-miso incident had been circulating on social media for weeks before Sukiya was forced to confirm that the rodent had been found “before it was eaten”. The restaurant, in the city of Tottori, was temporarily closed, and Sukiya said measures had been taken to address cracks in the building that could lead to contamination. It then announced that all of its outlets would be regularly checked for gaps and rubbish would be refrigerated. The company has now taken the more drastic measure of closure after the insect – widely reported to have been part or all of a cockroach – was found on Friday by a customer in Tokyo. The manager apologised to the customer and gave them a refund, it said. Sukiya is part of Zensho Holdings, which owns a number of restaurant chains in Japan. Banzai Japan Music Video Last Monday, following the disclosure about the rat, its share price tumbled before recovering later in the week. Its shares will face scrutiny after Saturday’s announcement. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Man tending grave probed for starting South Korea fires
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Man tending grave probed for starting South Korea fires Banzai Japan Music Video A 56-year-old man is being investigated in South Korea on suspicion of starting a deadly wildfire that killed 30 people. The man, who has not been named, was performing an ancestral rite by a family grave on a hill in Uiseong county, North Gyeongsang province, at the time. He has been booked – but not arrested – and will be called in for questioning once the investigation of the site has been completed. He denies the charges. Book Novotel Hotel On Sunday, officials said the main fires had finally been brought under complete control – 10 days after they started, causing widespread damage to buildings, including historic temples. Investigators reportedly spoke to the suspect’s daughter who is said to have told them the fire began as her father tried to burn tree branches hanging over the graves with a cigarette lighter. According to the Korea Forest Service, the fires burned more than 48,000 hectares – equivalent to about 80% of the size of the capital Seoul. They also destroyed an estimated 4,000 structures, including homes, factories and a number of national treasures. Goun Temple – a Unesco World Heritage Site – was among the temples destroyed in the blaze. It was built in 618 AD and was one of the largest in the province. Banzai Japan Music Video Most of the casualties were people in their 60s and 70s. Even though the main fire has been brought under control, smaller ones continue to reignite, authorities say. Fuelled by strong and dry winds, the fires spread to several cities and counties. Unseasonably warm weather, dry conditions and pine forests in the region also helped fuel the flames. An investigation involving the police, fire authorities, and forest management will be carried out next week. Acting President Han Duck-soo said the government would provide financial support for those who have been displaced by the fires. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
National Insurance: What are NI and income tax and what do I pay?
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel National Insurance: What are NI and income tax and what do I pay? Banzai Japan Music Video The government has announced an increase in the amount of National Insurance (NI) paid by employers. Before the Budget, the chancellor and prime minister had promised not to increase the main rates of income tax and National Insurance (NI) for working people and these will not change. NI rates paid by workers and the self-employed have already been been cut in 2024, but previous changes to the way tax is calculated mean the amount many people pay overall has risen. Budget 2024: Key points at-a-glance How the Budget will affect you and your money Book Novotel Hotel What is National Insurance and what does it pay for? The government uses National Insurance contributions (NICs) to pay for benefits and to help fund the NHS. It is paid by employees, employers and the self-employed across the UK. Those over the state pension age do not pay it, even if they are working. Eligibility for some benefits, including the state pension, depends on the NICs you make across your working life., external How does National Insurance work?, external Check your National Insurance record Banzai Japan Music Video How much do employers pay in National Insurance? At the moment businesses pay a rate of 13.8% on employees’ earnings above a threshold of £9,100 a year. In the Budget Chancellor Rachel Reeves said this rate would increase to 15% in April 2025, and the threshold would be reduced to £5,000. The employment allowance – which allows companies to reduce their NI liability – will increase from £5,000 to £10,500. In total Reeves said the changes would raise £25bn a year by the end of the period covered by the Budget. Neither employers nor employees pay NI on pension contributions. There had been widespread speculation that the Budget could set out plans for employers to start doing so, but it did not. Would raising employer National Insurance break Labour’s pledge? How much do employees pay in National Insurance? Workers start paying NI when they turn 16 and earn more than £242 a week, or have self-employed profits of more than £12,570 a year. The starting rate for National Insurance for 27 million employees fell twice in 2024: from 12% to 10%, and then again to 8%. The previous Conservative government said that the two cuts were worth about £900 a year for a worker earning £35,000. For the self-employed, Class 4 NI contributions on all earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 fell from 9% to 6%. At the time, the previous government said this was worth £350 to a self-employed person earning £28,200. Self-employed workers also no longer have to pay a separate category of NI called Class 2 contributions. The NI rate on income and profits above £50,270 remains at 2% for all workers. National Insurance rates, external What are the current income tax rates? Income tax is paid on earnings from employment and profits from self-employment during the tax year, which runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. It is also paid on some benefits, external and pensions, income from renting out property, and returns from savings, external and investments, external above certain limits. The basic rate is 20% and is paid on annual earnings between £12,571 and £50,270. The higher rate is 40%, and is paid on earnings between £50,271 and £125,140. Once you earn more than £100,000, you also start losing the £12,570 tax-free personal allowance. You lose £1 of your personal allowance for every £2 that your income goes above £100,000. Anyone earning more than £125,140 a year no longer has any tax-free personal allowance. The additional rate of income tax of 45% is paid on all earnings above £125,140 a year. These rates apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Some income tax rates are different, external in Scotland, where a new 45% band took effect in April 2024. At the same time the top rate also rose from 47% to 48%. What is happening to NI and income tax thresholds and why do they matter? Despite the NI cuts for workers and the self-employed in 2024, millions will still pay more tax overall because of changes to the tax thresholds. These are the income levels at which people start paying NI or income tax, or have to pay higher rates. These used to rise every year in line with inflation. However, the previous government froze the NI threshold and tax-free personal allowance at £12,570 until 2028. Higher-rate tax will continue to kick in for earnings above £50,270. Freezing the thresholds means that more people start paying tax and NI as their wages increase, and more people pay higher rates. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think thank, the freeze cancels out the benefits of the NI cuts for some workers. In the 2024-25 tax year, it says an average earner will have a tax cut of about £340 – from the combined tax changes – and people earning between £26,000 and £60,000 will be better off. But by 2027, the average earner would be only £140 better off – and only people earning between £32,000 and £55,000 a year would still benefit. Before the Budget there had been speculation that the chancellor would extend the freeze until 2030 but she said she had decided not to do so. Who pays most in income tax? For most families, income tax is the single biggest tax they pay. But for less well-off households, a greater share of family income goes on taxes on spending, known as indirect taxes. For the poorest fifth of households, VAT is the biggest single tax paid. How do UK taxes compare with other countries like France and Germany? You can look at the amount of tax raised as a proportion of the size of the economy, or GDP. In 2022
Trump says he ‘couldn’t care less’ about higher car prices
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Trump says he ‘couldn’t care less’ about higher car prices Banzai Japan Music Video Donald Trump has said he “couldn’t care less” if carmakers raise prices after his 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles comes into effect. Some analysts have warned that Trump’s charges on businesses importing vehicles could lead to the temporary shutdown of significant car production in the US, increase prices, and strain relations with allies. But speaking to NBC News on Saturday, the US president said he hoped foreign carmakers raise prices as it means “people are gonna buy American-made cars. We have plenty”. On Wednesday, Trump announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts entering the US from overseas, which go into effect on 2 April. Charges on businesses importing vehicles are expected on 3 April, and taxes on parts are set to start in May or later. Book Novotel Hotel When asked about what his message was to car bosses, he said: “The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money”. He went on to say: “If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff.” The 25% import tax on carmakers was briefly implemented but then paused at the beginning of March following pleas from major carmakers in North America like Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. But Trump told NBC he did not plan to delay imposition of the car tariffs any further, saying he would consider negotiating “only if people are willing to give us something of great value. Because countries have things of great value, otherwise, there’s no room for negotiation”. Banzai Japan Music Video The UK is in last-minute negotiations with the White House and is trying to get an exemption, arguing that – unlike other countries – the UK has a relatively equal trading relationship with the US. The prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he does not want to jump into a trade war. Several major economies have also vowed to retaliate in response to Trump’s tariffs. Germany has said it “will not give in” and that Europe must “respond firmly”, France’s president branded the move “a waste of time” and “incoherent”, Canada calling it a “direct attack”, and China accused Washington of violating international trade rules. Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
JD Vance’s ominous pitch to Greenland
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel JD Vance’s ominous pitch to Greenland Banzai Japan Music Video A green shimmer, like a curtain of light being drawn across the night sky, formed beside the impossibly bright stars above Nuuk late on Friday evening. The appearance of the spectacular northern lights – a common wonder in these parts – seemed to mark the end of a hugely significant day in the arctic, one that brought icebound Greenland’s hopes and challenges into the sharpest relief. It was a day in which an acquisitive foreign power had sent an uninvited delegation to the world’s largest island with an uncomfortable message. Book Novotel Hotel On a brief visit to a remote US military base in the far north of Greenland, US Vice-President JD Vance may have tried at times to soften his boss’s stated aim of simply annexing the autonomous Danish territory. “We do not think that military force is ever going to be necessary,” Vance said, perhaps attempting to sound reassuring. But the vice-president’s overarching message remained stark and intimidating: the world, the climate, and the Arctic region are changing fast, and Greenland needs to wake up to threats posed by an expansionist China; long-standing Western security partnerships have run their course; the only way the island can protect itself, its values and its mineral wealth is by abandoning weak and miserly Danish overlords and turning instead to the muscular and protective embrace of the US. Banzai Japan Music Video “We need to wake up from a failed, 40-year consensus that said that we could ignore the encroachment of powerful countries as they expand their ambitions,” Vance told US troops at America’s Pituffik military base. “We can’t just bury our head in the sand – or, in Greenland, bury our head in the snow – and pretend that the Chinese are not interested in this very large landmass.” If you look at a map of the world that has the north pole at its centre, rather than the equator, it is easy to see how Greenland suddenly switches from being an easily overlooked smudge of uninhabited territory and into a key strategic landmass. It is at the heart of what many analysts now accept as an emerging power struggle between China, the US, and Russia, for control of the arctic, its minerals and its shipping lanes. But the speed and contempt with which the Trump White House has rejected its traditional reliance on Western allies – Nato in particular – has left its partners bewildered. “Not justifiable,” was the bristling response of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen after hearing Vance attack her government as he stood on its sovereign territory. ‘Like a threat’ But 1,500km (930 miles) south of the Pituffik base, in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, the American story vied for attention with a very different local event on Friday. “We will prevail,” a smiling crowd sang, at a ceremony to celebrate the formation of a new coalition government for Greenland. The mood felt mostly joyful and communal, with people locking arms and swaying gently as a band played inside the town’s house of culture. It was a powerful reminder of the shared values that bind Greenland’s tiny, and overwhelmingly native Inuit population together – the need for consensus and co-operation in an often hostile natural climate, the desire to protect and celebrate Inuit culture and the wish to be respected by outsiders, be they from familiar but distant Denmark or marginally closer America. “There are many ways to say things. But I think the way [Trump] is saying it is not the way. It’s like a threat,” said Lisbeth Karline Poulsen, 43, a local artist attending the ceremony. Her reaction appeared to capture the broader mood here – a recent poll showed just 6% of the population support the idea of being part of the US. The journey to independence Under its new government, and with overwhelming public support, Greenland is beginning a slow, very cautious move towards full independence from Denmark. It’s a process that will likely take many years, and which will involve lengthy dialogue with both Copenhagen and Washington. After all, Greenlanders well understand that their economy needs to be far more developed if their bid for independence is to stand any realistic chance of success. But they need to balance that development against realistic fears of exploitation by powerful outside commercial forces. Which brings us to the fundamental confusion, in Greenland and beyond, about the Trump administration’s approach towards their territory. What does America want? On his visit, Vance mentioned Greenland’s aspirations for independence, and implied that America’s real intention was not a sudden annexation of the island, but something far more patient and long-term. “Our message is very simple, yes, the people of Greenland are going to have self-determination. We hope that they choose to partner with the United States, because we’re the only nation on earth that will respect their sovereignty and respect their security.” If that is genuinely the American pitch – Trump’s messaging remains more aggressive than Vance’s – then Greenlanders can surely relax a little and take their time. There are still large reserves of goodwill towards the US here, and a keen interest in doing more business with American companies. On the security front, a 74-year-old treaty with Denmark permitting the US to increase its military presence in Greenland at any time – from new bases to submarine harbours – should surely take care of Washington’s concerns about countering the threat from China, just as it did during the Cold War years. What remains puzzling is Donald Trump’s impatience – the same impatience he’s displayed in attempting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Short of owning Greenland, America could get everything it desires and needs from this vast island without much difficulty. Instead, many people in Nuuk feel they’re being bullied. It’s a deeply counterproductive approach, which has already forced Washington into
Holidaymaker describes ‘chaos’ after quake hits Bangkok
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Holidaymaker describes ‘chaos’ after quake hits Bangkok Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPElmgQJGBo A holidaymaker has told of the moment the effects of a devastating earthquake brought chaos to Bangkok. Hundreds of people are believed to have died in neighbouring Myanmar, the epicentre of the 7.7 magnitude quake. Angela Jenkins and her husband Douglas, from Lewis in the Western Isles, were in a shopping centre in the Thai capital when the ground began to shake and shoppers started screaming and shouting. Mrs Jenkins said: “My husband grabbed my hand and we just ran for the door – it was just chaos. Nobody knew what was going on.” Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsGZL-zb54 The couple had signed up to an app to get earthquake warnings, but did not receive an alert. Mrs Jenkins said she had felt faint moments before the tremor struck the shopping mall and she held on to a shop counter to keep her balance. “The next thing everyone started screaming and shouting and running. It was really frightening,” she said. “It felt like the ground was moving. It felt as if I was on a boat and it was swaying.” Outside, the couple joined others in looking to the skyline to try and make sense of what was happening. Mrs Jenkins said they had not seen signs of damage, but added: “There is a big skyscraper and its alarms are going off. “There are still ambulances and fire engines screaming around the streets.” Banzai Japan Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syHHGzkF_s The couple said they hoped to get back to their hotel, but until then had been trying to find shelter from the “blazing heat”. It is not yet known how many people have died in Myanmar in south east Asia. In Thailand, which borders Myanmar to the east, 81 construction workers are missing and a search and rescue operation is under way after an unfinished high-rise building collapsed in Bangkok. The earthquake measured as 7.7 on the Richter scale at about midday local time (06:00 GMT). Four smaller shocks ranging between 4.5 and 6.6 in magnitude have been measured since. Book Novotel Hotel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR8YYeb4PMk Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol
Tommy Robinson leaves UK on eve of court case
Buy Now An error occurred. Buy Now An error occurred. Book Novotel Hotel Tommy Robinson leaves UK on eve of court case Banzai Japan Music Video A senior judge has issued an arrest warrant for far-right campaigner Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – better known by his alias Tommy Robinson – after learning he has left the country on the eve of a major legal case against him. Yaxley-Lennon left the UK by a Eurotunnel train on Sunday night, despite having been arrested by Kent Police under counter-terrorism powers. Book Novotel Hotel The 41-year-old had been due in court on Monday for allegedly breaching an order not to repeat lies about a Syrian refugee. Mr Justice Johnson has ordered the warrant not to be carried out “until early October” to give Yaxley-Lennon time to confirm he would attend the next hearing voluntarily. His departure from the UK comes after thousands of his followers gathered in central London on Saturday in his support. In July 2021, Syrian teenager Jamal Hijazi won £100,000 in damages in a major defamation battle against Yaxley-Lennon, who had falsely accused him of being a violent thug, claims that spread across social media. A judge ordered him never to repeat the lies, but last year he began repeating his claims, including in a film distributed online. Yaxley-Lennon was ordered six weeks ago to come to the High Court on Monday to answer the allegation that he had ignored the judge’s order – a serious offence known as contempt of court. Adam Payter, representing the Solicitor General, the government minister who oversees contempt of court allegations, today told Mr Justice Johnson that despite Yaxley-Lennon knowing of this morning’s case, he played the film again to his supporters on Saturday. The barrister said this public showing had been a “flagrant” and “admitted” breach of the court order not to repeat the false claims. On Sunday, the founder of the English Defence League went to the Channel Tunnel terminal at Folkestone, where police officers stopped him under counter-terrorism powers. When he allegedly refused to co-operate, he was arrested and held until 10pm before being released on unconditional bail and leaving the country. Mr Payter said: “We understand he failed to cooperate with a port stop and search. “The implication is he was attempting to leave the country and therefore was not intending to attend this hearing this morning “The information that we have is that he is not within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. He has been spending significant time outside the UK since being served with the contempt application on 13 June. “He returned for the purpose of publishing the film and sought to immediately leave the jurisdiction.” Banzai Japan Music Video The court heard the police officers who had held Yaxley-Lennon had no power to stop him leaving the UK. Mr Justice Johnson said he was “entirely satisfied” that the contempt of court application should proceed in Yaxley-Lennon’s absence. The judge issued an arrest warrant to detain the activist if, by October, he has returned to the UK but continues to refuse to cooperate. That decision to delay executing the warrant was to give him an opportunity to return and explain why he had failed to attend this morning’s hearing or to apply to have it set aside. If Yaxley-Lennon does not return, the case will be heard in his absence after 28 October – and could lead to a jail sentence. Tommy Robinson’s key convictions and other findings 2005: Jailed for assault occasioning actual bodily harm (12 months) 2011: Community order for football brawl (12 months) 2013: Travelling on another man’s passport to the USA (jailed for 10 months) 2014: Mortgage fraud (jailed for 18 months) May 2017: Contempt of Court finding, three months jail suspended for 18 months July 2019: Jailed for nine months for interfering with a grooming gang trial in Leeds. July 2021: Loses defamation case and ordered to pay Syrian refugee £100,000 July 2024: Fails to attend Contempt of Court hearing for allegedly repeating false claims about the refugee Other offences: Possession of drugs, threatening behaviour and breach of court order Book Novotel Hotel Banzai Japan Social Media Fumi Fujisaki Idol Riko Ueno Idol Rino Ibusuki Idol Yunagi Nino Idol Shiori Fujisaki Idol Kana Ichinose Idol Hoshino Arice Idol Sasa Sasagawa Idol Kosaka Yuu Idol Tsukumo Aira Idol Maika Ando Idol Yuuki Mochimaru Idol