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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there could be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to cover costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 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 main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a rally arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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 ruling on the start of 4 November.