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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his password to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there could be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a major rally that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from police who stated they called other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

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 proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday 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,” said the barrister.

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