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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone held information related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his password to police, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The money was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who disputes 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 found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and lately spoke at a rally arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday 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,” stated Williamson.

Goozee said he would hand down his ruling on the morning of 4 November.