Legal representatives told the court that police maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.
Refusal to Give Device Pin
The far-right activist, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to hand over his password to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.
Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority
On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the EDL organization.
“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there could be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.
The prosecutor continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”
Circumstances of the Detention
The campaigner had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.
The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.
Defense Submissions
The defendant, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.
His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Referring to evidence from officers who said they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.
Williamson said the police action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.
He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.
Legal Costs and Judgment Date
The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.
A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday and would not return 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,” said Williamson.
The judge said he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.
