🔗 Share this article

Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to police, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even following 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 views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from police who said they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek 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,” said Williamson.

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