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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to provide his phone pin to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although 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 reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone 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 focus for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

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

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who said they called other organizations” after detaining him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

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

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

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson explained Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israeli government 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,” said Williamson.

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