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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained material related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

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

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting him, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He said the police action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was due to be a guest 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,” stated the barrister.

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