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Legal representatives told the tribunal that police had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held material related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

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

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that police had valid grounds to believe Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there could be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination 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 major rally that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

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

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted 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 traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and lately addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not come back 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.

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