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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Pin

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to hand over his password to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL 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 think that on his telephone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

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

Details of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

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

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who stated they called other organizations” after arresting him, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to suggest his client was a security threat.

He asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was already known. Williamson suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed 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 far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not return 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,” stated Williamson.

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