Police Thought Tommy Robinson Had Terrorist Information on Phone, Court Hears.

Prosecutors told the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his phone pin to police, stating it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to offset costs from arranging a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to three months in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. The barrister suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and lately addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense said his client was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration 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,” stated Williamson.

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