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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to hand over his phone pin to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there may be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset expenses from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

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

Williamson said the officers’ intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted 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 Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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,” said Williamson.

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