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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his phone pin to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had valid grounds 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 disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling 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 offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from officers who said they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting 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 defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

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

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson said Robinson 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,” said Williamson.

Goozee said he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.