Police Believed Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Information on Phone, Court Hears.

Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there could be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The money was said to have been from a collection to cover expenses from arranging a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from officers who said they called other organizations” after arresting him, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

He said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said Robinson 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 said he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.