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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Password

The far-right activist, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to provide his password to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The money was said to have been from a collection to cover costs from organizing 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 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

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

Referring to testimony from police who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.

He said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” 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 “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which should have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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,” said the barrister.

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