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Legal representatives told the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to provide his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The money was reportedly from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

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

Citing testimony from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense explained Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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 Williamson.

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