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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

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

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” 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 connection to others who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, 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 a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

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

His barrister, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who stated they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister suggested that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

The activist stated that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday and would not return 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 the barrister.

The judge announced he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.