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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a collection to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration 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,” said Williamson.

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