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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained information relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Password

The far-right activist, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to provide his password to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there could be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

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

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

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

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

He noted that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. The barrister suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a rally arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said his client was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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,” stated the barrister.

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