🔗 Share this article

Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to provide his phone pin to police, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are possibly involved in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was already known. The barrister suggested that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately addressed a rally arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not come back until 25 October.

{“I wouldn’t trouble you if this was a trip to Benidorm. I would ask him to rearrange it but he is a guest of a foreign government,” stated the barrister.

The judge said he would hand down his ruling on the morning of 4 November.