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Legal representatives told the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held material related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to hand over his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although 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 may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who stated they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the officers’ intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was already known. The barrister proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not come back 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.

Goozee said he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.