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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to provide his phone pin to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a collection to cover costs from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from officers who said they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree 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 officers had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was already known. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday and would not return 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.

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