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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Pin

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to offset expenses from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson explained his client was scheduled to be a guest of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return 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,” said Williamson.

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