Police Thought Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Possessed Terrorism-Related Information on Mobile Device, Trial Told.

Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held information relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are designed to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there may be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

The prosecutor continued, 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 potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The money was reportedly from a collection to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 of the previous year, could receive up to three months in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the officers’ intervention 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 officers had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee 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 Williamson.

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

Julie Bryant
Julie Bryant

A senior software engineer with over a decade of experience in full-stack development and a passion for sharing knowledge through technical writing.