Far-right activist Tommy Robinson declined to provide the police with the access code for his phone when he was stopped at the Channel Tunnel in his silver Bentley, where he reportedly insulted the officer. The 42-year-old, known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was en route to the Spanish tourist destination of Benidorm when the incident occurred. Robinson refused to disclose the code, asserting that his device contained “journalistic material” and details regarding “vulnerable girls,” as revealed in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Accused of being evasive about his activities, Robinson faced a demand from the police to unlock his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. This legislation empowers law enforcement to halt individuals passing through a UK port to ascertain potential involvement in terrorism-related activities. Robinson denied noncompliance with counter-terrorism measures during the incident on July 28 the previous year. Opening the case, prosecutor Jo Morris highlighted officers’ concerns about Robinson’s behavior upon entering the police inspection zone unaccompanied.
Describing his demeanor as brief and uncommunicative, Morris stated that Robinson, who was recognized by the police, was escorted to an interview room where his phone was confiscated. When asked for the phone’s access code, Robinson responded, “Not a chance bruv… you look like c*** so you ain’t having it,” emphasizing the phone’s significance for his journalistic work and its connection to vulnerable individuals.
According to Morris, the process for safeguarding journalistic content was explained to Robinson. During the stop, Robinson was found in possession of over £13,000 and 1,900 euros. Testifying in court, Pc Mitchell Thorogood from the Channel Tunnel policing unit mentioned Robinson’s unusual choice to buy tickets on the day of travel instead of in advance, along with driving a high-value car not registered under his name.
Under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, detained individuals can be held for up to six hours, obligated to respond to inquiries, and required to provide access codes for electronic devices; failure to comply is considered a criminal offense. Alisdair Williamson KC, Robinson’s defense counsel, suggested the possibility of discriminatory treatment based on Robinson’s political beliefs. Robinson, sporting a waistcoat and tie, sat in the dock during the trial, occasionally checking his phone. If convicted, he could face imprisonment for up to three months and/or a fine of £2,500.
Robinson has pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the trial is ongoing.