Officers Believed Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Data on Phone, Trial Told.
Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he tried to leave the UK.
Denial to Provide Device Pin
The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to police, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.
Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Powers
On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).
While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.
The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”
Details of the Stop
The campaigner had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than ÂŁ13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.
The funds was said to have been from a collection to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.
Legal Team Submissions
The defendant, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential ÂŁ2,500 fine if found guilty.
His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Citing testimony from officers who said they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, Williamson said this was a allusion to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.
He asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.
He noted that officers had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.
Expenses and Judgment Date
The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.
A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a guest of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return 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 the barrister.
The judge announced he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.
