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Prosecutors told the court that police maintained valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained information related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to others who are possibly involved in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

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

Citing testimony from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting him, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

He said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated 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 carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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,” said the barrister.

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