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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained information related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had valid grounds to think the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there could be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The money was said to have been from a collection to offset expenses from arranging 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 July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest 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 main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

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

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of next 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 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,” said Williamson.

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