Officers Suspected Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorism-Related Information on Mobile Device, Trial Told.
Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.
Refusal to Provide Device Pin
The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to hand over his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.
Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers
On the final day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).
While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.
Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”
Circumstances of the Detention
The campaigner had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.
The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.
Legal Team Arguments
The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.
His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Citing testimony from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.
Williamson said the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.
He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.
Legal Costs and Judgment Timing
Robinson stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.
A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, 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 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.
