Officers Suspected Tommy Robinson Had Terrorism-Related Data on Phone, Court Hears.

Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material related to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to police, claiming it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant continued to have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his association to others who are possibly engaged in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

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

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

He asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson said his client was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not come back 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 the barrister.

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