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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to police, stating it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are possibly involved in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from organizing a major rally that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

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

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to the resort frequently, which ought to have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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,” said the barrister.

Goozee announced he would hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.