Officers Suspected Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Possessed Terrorism-Related Information on Phone, Trial Told.

Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Password

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance 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 reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

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

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from police who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not come back 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 deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.