Officers Believed Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Data on Mobile Device, Court Hears.

Prosecutors informed the court that police had valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained information related to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, claiming it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from police who said they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. Williamson suggested that his client journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a guest of the Israeli government 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.

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