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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

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

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

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

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

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

Referring to evidence from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

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

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not come back 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 announced he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.