🔗 Share this article

Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to hand over his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there could be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

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

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from police who said they contacted “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 indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was already known. Williamson proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return until October 25.

{“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 Williamson.

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