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Prosecutors informed the court that police had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained information relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his password to police, claiming it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there could be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, 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 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 the barrister.

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