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Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement maintained valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there could be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Stop

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was said to have been from a collection to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

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

Citing evidence from police who stated they contacted other organizations” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have reduced the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a guest 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,” stated Williamson.

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