Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been found not guilty of a terrorism-related offence after declining to give police access to his phone during a stop in July 2024.
The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone while driving a friend’s silver Bentley to Benidorm, Spain. Police said they became suspicious of Robinson’s “vague replies” regarding his travel plans. They seized his iPhone and requested the device PIN, but Robinson refused, citing confidential journalistic material stored on the phone.
Delivering his verdict at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Judge Sam Goozee said he could not be certain that the police stop had been lawful.
“I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principle reason for this stop,” Judge Goozee told Robinson.
Robinson had been detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers at UK ports to question individuals to determine potential links to terrorism.
His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued that the stop was politically motivated, claiming the “predominant influence” on PC Mitchell Thorogood’s decision to stop Robinson 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 reduced, not increased, suspicion.
Judge Goozee criticised the conduct of the officers involved, highlighting that they had “no real recollection” of the questions asked during the 40-minute stop and had failed to record clear reasons for selecting Robinson. He said the stop gave the impression of an arbitrary decision based on Robinson’s identity, describing it as potentially linked to a “protected characteristic.”
“I cannot convict you,” Judge Goozee concluded.
Supporters in the public gallery erupted in cheers as Robinson was cleared of all charges.
In a video recorded ahead of the hearing, Robinson revealed that his legal fees had been covered by Elon Musk. After the verdict, he expressed his gratitude once more, 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.”
