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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that police had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there could be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

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

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The money was reportedly from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His barrister, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from police who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was already known. The barrister proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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,” said Williamson.

The judge announced he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.