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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held material related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to hand over his phone pin to police, claiming it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told the 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 others who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they contacted other organizations” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He asserted the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that must be properly policed” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek 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,” stated Williamson.

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