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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to provide his password to police, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

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

The money was said to have been from a collection to cover expenses from organizing a major rally that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply 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 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that Robinson traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson explained Robinson 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 Williamson.

The judge said he would deliver his verdict on the start of 4 November.