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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to police, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there may be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from arranging a major rally that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from officers who said they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was already known. Williamson suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense explained his client was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration 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.

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