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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have links 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 views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset expenses from organizing a major rally that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from officers who stated they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson said the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

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

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and lately addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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 the barrister.

Goozee announced he would hand down his verdict on the start of 4 November.