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Prosecutors told the court that police had valid concerns that 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.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to hand over his password to police, claiming it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to cover costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from officers who said they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to stop 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. Williamson suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a rally organized by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a guest 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 the barrister.

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