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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held information related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to permit information collection. She claimed that police had valid grounds to think Robinson still have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor continued, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are possibly involved in illegal actions.”

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 on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from arranging a major rally that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to three months in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who said they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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,” stated the barrister.

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