Officers Thought Stephen Yaxley-Lennon Possessed Terrorism-Related Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.
Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement maintained valid concerns indicating Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile contained information related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.
Denial to Give Phone Pin
The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his password to police, claiming it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.
Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers
On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).
While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.
The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”
Circumstances of the Stop
The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.
The funds was reportedly from a collection to offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.
Legal Team Arguments
Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.
His barrister, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Citing evidence from police who said they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.
He said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.
He noted that police had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.
Expenses and Judgment Timing
The activist stated that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.
A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration 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,” said the barrister.
Goozee announced he would deliver his verdict on the start of 4 November.