Officers Thought Tommy Robinson Possessed Terrorism-Related Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.
Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.
Denial to Give Device Pin
The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to provide his phone pin to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.
Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers
On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are intended to allow information collection. She claimed that police had valid grounds to believe the defendant 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 come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.
Morris added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to individuals who are possibly involved in illegal actions.”
Details of the Stop
The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than ÂŁ13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.
The money was said to have been from a donation drive to offset expenses from arranging a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.
Legal Team Arguments
Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible ÂŁ2,500 fine if convicted.
His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Referring to testimony from officers who said they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.
He said the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.
He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that Robinson traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.
Legal Costs and Verdict Date
The activist stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.
A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee 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,” said Williamson.
Goozee announced he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.
