Officers Thought Tommy Robinson Had Terrorism-Related Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.

Legal representatives told the tribunal that police maintained valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Detention

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

The funds was reportedly from a collection to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who denies failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

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

Citing testimony from police who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest 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,” stated the barrister.

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