🔗 Share this article

Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police had reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his phone pin to police, claiming it contained “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, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there may be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive 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 detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from officers who said they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that must be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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 Williamson.

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