Officers Thought Tommy Robinson Had Terrorism-Related Data on Phone, Trial Told.
Prosecutors told the court that police maintained valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he tried to leave the UK.
Refusal to Give Device Password
The far-right activist, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to hand over his phone pin to police, stating it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.
Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority
On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).
“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.
Morris added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in illegal actions.”
Details of the Detention
The activist had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.
The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.
Legal Team Arguments
Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.
His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.
Referring to evidence from officers who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.
He asserted the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.
He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was already known. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.
Expenses and Judgment Date
The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.
A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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,” stated Williamson.
Goozee announced he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.
