Far-right activist Tommy Robinson told police he refused to hand over his mobile phone Pin because it contained journalistic material, a court has heard.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during an incident at Folkestone in July 2024. He has pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where his two-day trial began on Monday.
Individuals detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act are legally required to provide passwords or Pins for their electronic devices. If convicted, Robinson could face up to three months in prison or a fine of £2,500.
Before entering court, the former English Defence League (EDL) leader addressed his followers in a video shared on X, claiming that Elon Musk had “picked up the legal bill” for his case, which he described as “state persecution.” Musk has not confirmed this claim.
In court, the 42-year-old appeared in the dock wearing a navy waistcoat and tie.
PC Mitchell Thorogood, a counter-terrorism officer with Kent Police, told the court he was stationed at the Channel Tunnel near Folkestone on 28 July when he noticed a silver Bentley driven by a single male occupant.
He said he recognised the driver as Mr Lennon and found his explanation for travelling “unusual.”
“He was travelling a far distance with a vehicle that wasn’t his,” the officer told the court. “He said he was going to Benidorm and hadn’t bought a ticket in advance.”
PC Thorogood said he detained Mr Lennon under Schedule 7 and that Robinson began filming the encounter. “He refused to provide the Pin number, saying there was journalist material in his phone,” the officer said.
Prosecutor Jo Morris told the court that Robinson had used an expletive towards officers and that a bag containing £13,370 and €1,910 was found inside the vehicle.
District Judge Sam Goozee ordered that Robinson’s address not be published after his defence barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, cited “credible threats against Mr Lennon’s life.”
More than 30 of Robinson’s supporters filled the public gallery, with some queueing from early morning. One supporter was seen wearing a red “Make England Great Again” baseball cap.
