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Prosecutors informed the court that police had reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to hand over his password to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that police had valid grounds to think the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

Morris added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

He said the police intervention was “discriminatory” 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 “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that officers had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee 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,” said Williamson.

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