Police Believed Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Information on Mobile Device, Court Hears.
Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile held information related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.
Refusal to Provide Device Password
The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.
Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers
On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).
While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.
The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to others who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”
Circumstances of the Detention
The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.
The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to cover expenses from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.
Legal Team Submissions
The defendant, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.
His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Referring to testimony from officers who said they called other organizations” after detaining him, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.
He said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.
He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.
Legal Costs and Verdict Date
Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case 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 lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a livestream.
A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not come back 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.
Goozee announced he would hand down his verdict on the start of 4 November.
