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Legal representatives told the court that police had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling 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 organizing a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from officers who stated they contacted other organizations” after detaining Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which should have lessened the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not come back 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,” said the barrister.

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