🔗 Share this article

Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his password to officers, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is known for having 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 informed the court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

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

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from officers who stated they called other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He asserted the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which ought to have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist claimed 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 supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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,” stated Williamson.

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