Police Suspected Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.
Legal representatives told the court that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.
Denial to Provide Device Password
The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to provide his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.
Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers
On the final day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.
While his affiliation of the EDL 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 phone there could be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.
The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”
Details of the Detention
The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.
The money was said to have been from a collection to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.
Legal Team Arguments
The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.
His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.
Citing evidence from officers who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, 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 indicate his defendant was a terrorist.
Williamson said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.
He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to the resort frequently, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.
Legal Costs and Judgment Date
The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.
A suggested day of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration 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,” stated Williamson.
The judge announced he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.
