Officers Believed Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Possessed Terrorism-Related Information on Phone, Trial Told.

Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held material relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson still have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs 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 information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling 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 arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws 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 closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said his client was due to be a guest of the Israeli government from Wednesday 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,” stated the barrister.

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