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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to three months in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who stated they called other organizations” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson 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,” said Williamson.

Goozee announced he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.