Officers Suspected Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Data on Mobile Device, Court Hears.

Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to police, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” 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 connection to others who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than ÂŁ13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to cover expenses from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible ÂŁ2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who said they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

He said the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally 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 the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israeli government 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 Williamson.

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

Laurie Sanchez
Laurie Sanchez

A gemologist with over 15 years of experience in diamond valuation and market analysis, passionate about educating investors and enthusiasts.