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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson still have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to offset costs from arranging a major rally that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.

He asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree 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 special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained his client was due to be a guest of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return until 25 October.

{“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 said he would hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.