Tommy Robinson cleared of terror offence after not giving police access to his phone

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been found not guilty of a terror offence after refusing to give police access to his phone in July 2024.

The 42-year-old, who was charged under his real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone while driving a friend's silver Bentley to Benidorm, Spain.

Robinson refused to give officers the Pin to his phone during the stop, arguing that the device contained confidential journalistic material.

Judge Sam Goozee said he could not be sure that the police stop had been lawful.

"I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you [Tommy Robinson] stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principle reason for this stop", said Judge Goozee.

Robinson had been detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers to question people at UK ports to determine potential links to terrorism.

When he was asked to hand over the phone's Pin, Robinson replied: "Not a chance bruv... It's my work, I'm a journalist."

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued that the stop was politically motivated, saying the "predominant influence" on PC Mitchell Thorogood's decision to stop him was: "'oh look, it's Tommy Robinson"'.

Williamson added: "If MI5 didn't think that Mr Lennon is a terrorist, what did PC Thorogood think he was going to learn by asking him about publicly available information?"

He also noted that Robinson's frequent trips to Benidorm, should have lessened, not heightened, suspicion. Police had said they became suspicious of Robinson's "vague replies" about his travel plans.

Judge Goozee criticised the conduct of officers involved, saying they had "no real recollection" of questions asked during the 40-minute stop and failed to record clear reasons for selecting Robinson.

The stop, he said, "gave the impression of an arbitrary decision based on who you are." Adding that the decision appeared to be based on a "protected characteristic."

"I cannot convict you," Judge Goozee concluded.

Supporters in the public gallery at Westminster Magistrates' Court cheered as he was cleared of all charges.

In a video recorded before the hearing, Robinson said his legal fees had been paid by Elon Musk.

After the verdict, he again thanked the Tesla boss billionaire again, saying: "Elon Musk I am forever grateful. If you didn't step in and fund my legal fight for this then I'd probably be in jail."