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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to hand over his password to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 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 law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have links to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to cover expenses from arranging a major rally that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who said they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses 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 the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return until 25 October.

{“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 start of 4 November.