Police Suspected Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Had Terrorist Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.
Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held information relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.
Refusal to Provide Phone Password
The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.
Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority
On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).
While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.
The prosecutor continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”
Details of the Stop
The activist had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than ÂŁ13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.
The funds was said to have been from a collection to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.
Legal Team Arguments
Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible ÂŁ2,500 fine if found guilty.
His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.
Citing testimony from officers who stated they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered 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 large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.
He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.
Legal Costs and Verdict Date
The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a rally arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.
A suggested day of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not come back 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.
Goozee announced he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.
