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Avi Yemini, 'spokesperson' for Tommy Robinson, convicted of assaulting his ex-wife

She described being 'terrorised' and feeling like 'just a vessel for his hatred' in statement read out in court

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A Jewish man who described himself as the “official spokesperson” for far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been convicted of unlawful assault against his former wife.

Avi (Avraham) Yemini, also known on social media as Ozraeli Avi, was convicted and fined at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court, Melbourne, on Tuesday morning.

He was also convicted on the charge of using a carriage service [sending electronic communications] to harass Sarah Lyford, now his ex-wife, on three occasions.

Yemini is a regular contributor to Robinson's “TR News” website and regularly produces social media content in support of the jailed former leader of the English Defence League (EDL).

He has visited Britain regularly to back Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. 

The Herald Sun reported the Israeli-Australian dual national had previously pled guilty to both charges.

Yemini threw a chopping board which hit his then-wife’s head while she prepared dinner in March 2016, leaving her with a contusion on her forehead.

he communications, which were sent between July 2017 and November 2018, included calling her a “P.O.S” and a “c***”.

In a statement to the court, Ms Lyford said: “What I will never forget is that he didn’t flinch when it happened.

“He didn’t ask if I was okay. He just walked by; I was left to tend to my own injuries and finish making the dinner.”

She also told the court she had tried to leave him on eight occasions.

“It was like I didn’t exist as a human being, I was just a vessel for his hatred,” she said.

“He terrorised me. I can’t imagine how it will be possible for me to have a relationship in the future.”

Yemini was fined A$3,600. He was also convicted of a third charge, of breaching a personal safety order after failing to take down an online video, which did not relate to Ms Lyford, as the court has ordered.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated Yemini threw a chopping board at his wife's head. He has asked us to clarify he threw the board and it hit her accidentally.

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