Far-right figure Tommy Robinson declined to provide police with the pin code for his phone when he was stopped at the Channel Tunnel in his silver Bentley, allegedly insulting the officer, as stated in court.
The 42-year-old, known by his real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was en route to the Spanish tourist destination of Benidorm when he was intercepted. Robinson refused to disclose the pin, arguing that his device contained “journalistic material” and details concerning “vulnerable girls,” according to testimony at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Accused of offering evasive responses about his activities, Robinson was pressed by authorities to grant access to his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, which empowers police to detain individuals passing through a UK port to ascertain potential involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Robinson denies allegations of non-compliance with counter-terrorism measures during the July 28 incident last year. Prosecution lawyer Jo Morris indicated that officers expressed apprehension over the activist’s behavior upon his solo entry into the police inspection zone.
“His responses were brief and non-specific, and he avoided eye contact,” she elaborated. Recognized by the police, Robinson was escorted to an interview room where his phone was confiscated, the court was informed.
When asked to divulge the phone’s pin, Robinson retorted, “No way mate… you don’t look deserving of it.” He asserted, “It’s my job, I’m a journalist,” asserting that the device contained information about “vulnerable girls.”
“The procedure for safeguarding journalistic content was clarified to him,” Ms. Morris remarked. The trial revealed that Robinson was carrying over £13,000 and 1,900 euros at the time of the stop.
Pc Mitchell Thorogood of the Channel Tunnel policing unit testified that he had arrived on the day to purchase tickets without prior booking, which he described as “unusual.” Additionally, he was driving a high-value vehicle not registered in his name, the trial disclosed.
Under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, detained individuals may be held for up to six hours, are obligated to respond to inquiries, and must provide passwords or pins for electronic devices; refusal to do so may constitute a criminal offense. Alisdair Williamson KC, the defense counsel, suggested that the stop might have been biased against Robinson’s political beliefs.
Robinson, sporting a waistcoat and tie, sat in the dock, pacing while glancing at his phone during a recess in the trial. If convicted, he could face a maximum three-month imprisonment term and/or a £2,500 fine.
Robinson refutes the accusations, and the trial is ongoing.
