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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's phone contained information related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

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

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“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 valid concern to think that on his telephone there could be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

The prosecutor continued, “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 possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

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

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from officers who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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,” stated the barrister.

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