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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's mobile held material relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there may be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.

He asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” 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 discover information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson 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 appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not return 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,” said the barrister.

The judge said he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.