Officers Believed Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorism-Related Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.

Prosecutors informed the court that police had reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material related to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to police, claiming it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson still have connections to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there could be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 of the previous year, could receive up to three months in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from police who said they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a reference 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 police 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 stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was already known. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a rally arranged 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 explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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 Williamson.

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

Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith

A certified fitness trainer and nature enthusiast, passionate about helping others achieve wellness through outdoor adventures.