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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to others who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a major rally that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

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

Citing testimony from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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 Williamson.

Goozee said he would hand down his verdict on the start of 4 November.