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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained information related to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to provide his password to police, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

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

The money was reportedly from a collection to offset costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

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

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was already known. Williamson suggested that his client journeyed to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson explained Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not come back 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,” stated Williamson.

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