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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that police had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

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

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

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset costs from organizing a major rally that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from officers who stated they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer 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 intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was already known. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee 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.

Goozee said he would hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.