A contempt of court allegation against ex-English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson has been referred to the attorney general.

The EDL founder appeared at the Old Bailey accused of committing contempt by filming people before a criminal trial.

The 35-year-old, who appeared under his real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was released on bail.

Mr Robinson was greeted outside the court by hundreds of supporters.

During the brief hearing Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC said the letter had made clearer the "nature and extent of the controversies".

Afterwards, Robinson told his fans: "I believe that with this support that's been shown the Attorney General will kick this into the long grass."

Robinson was freed from prison in August after three judges quashed a contempt of court finding made at Leeds Crown Court.

But he could be jailed again if he is again found in contempt for filming people in a Huddersfield grooming trial in Leeds and broadcasting the footage on social media.

The court heard he denied breaching the Contempt of Court Act and making a broadcast likely to seriously prejudice the trial.

Judge Hilliard said: "It is sufficient to say that the nature and extent of the controversies to be considered emerged to my eye more clearly than before."

Had the case been heard by Judge Hilliard, witnesses, including Robinson, could not have been cross examined.

The judge said: "I think it necessary to look at quite a lot of the detail of what Mr Yaxley-Lennon said in the broadcast as to come to the overall picture as to what happened.

"I'm satisfied in the light of the issues as they now appear as they emerged from the statement of yesterday, that cross-examination of Mr Yaxley-Lennon is necessary for a proper and thorough examination and resolution of the case that is in the public interest."

Outside court Mr Robinson claimed he was the "victim of a political witchhunt" and said the media were "enemy of the people".

Metropolitan Police and their colleagues from the City of London manned barricades outside court for the rally.

A small group of anti-fascism campaigners faced Robinson fans before the hearing.

A City of London Police spokeswoman estimated there were about 500 demonstrators and 50 counter-demonstrators.

No arrests were made.