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Legal representatives told the court that police maintained valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there could be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset expenses from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

The defendant, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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.

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