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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained material related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his password to police, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views 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 continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

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.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson said the officers’ intervention was biased” 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 noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson journeyed to the resort frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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 Williamson.

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