Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson refused to hand over his mobile phone password to police, telling officers he needed to protect “journalistic material” and information about “vulnerable girls”, his trial heard on Monday.
The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was driving a silver Bentley SUV towards the Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm when he was stopped by counter-terrorism officers at the Channel Tunnel terminal in Folkestone on 28 July last year.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that police grew suspicious of Mr Robinson’s demeanour and “vague replies” during routine questioning, leading them to demand access to his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act.
When asked to provide the device’s PIN code, Mr Robinson responded: “Not a chance bruv… you look like c*** so you ain’t having it.”
“It’s My Work, I’m a Journalist”
The activist, who presents himself as an independent journalist, told officers: “It’s my work, I’m a journalist,” adding that the phone contained information about “vulnerable girls”.
Mr Robinson denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the July 2024 incident. Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act grants police the power to stop anyone passing through a UK port “to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Opening the case for the prosecution on Monday, Jo Morris told the court that officers “became concerned” about Mr Robinson’s behaviour after he drove alone into the police inspection area at the Channel Tunnel terminal.
“He gave short, vague replies and made no eye contact,” Ms Morris continued, describing how the activist was recognised by officers and subsequently led to an interview room where his mobile phone was seized.
Protections Explained
The court heard that police explained to Mr Robinson the formal process by which journalistic material would be protected if his phone was examined, but he continued to refuse to comply with their demands.
“The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him,” Ms Morris told magistrates, detailing the safeguards that exist under law for journalists and their sources.
During questioning, Mr Robinson reportedly told officers: “For me it’s a win win, it’s going to be bad for yous,” suggesting he believed the situation would ultimately work in his favour regardless of the outcome.
Unusual Travel Circumstances
PC Mitchell Thorogood, of the Channel Tunnel policing team, gave evidence explaining why officers became suspicious of Mr Robinson’s journey.
The officer told the court that Mr Robinson had arrived on the day to purchase his tickets rather than booking in advance, which he described as “unusual” behaviour for someone planning an international trip.
Mr Robinson was also travelling in a high-value vehicle that was not registered under his name, the trial heard, adding to officers’ concerns about the nature of his journey.
When stopped, the campaigner was carrying more than £13,000 in cash along with €1,900, the court was told. No explanation was provided during Monday’s proceedings as to why he was transporting such substantial sums of money.
Legal Powers
Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 is one of the most controversial counter-terrorism powers available to British police, granting officers extensive authority to stop, question and search individuals at ports and borders without requiring reasonable suspicion.
The legislation allows examining officers to detain travellers for up to six hours, question them about their travel plans, and seize electronic devices for forensic examination. Failure to comply with these powers constitutes a criminal offence.
Critics have long argued that Schedule 7 represents an unjustifiable infringement on civil liberties, whilst supporters maintain it provides essential tools for identifying and preventing potential terrorist activity.
The power has been used to stop journalists, activists and lawyers, leading to accusations that it is employed to suppress legitimate investigative work and political dissent.
Background
Mr Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley in Luton in 1982, is one of Britain’s most prominent right-wing activists with an extensive criminal history. He co-founded the English Defence League in 2009 and led the organisation until October 2013.
Over the years, he has accumulated numerous convictions including for assault, mortgage fraud, using a false passport, and contempt of court. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt after breaching an injunction by repeatedly republishing defamatory allegations.
The activist frequently presents himself as an independent journalist covering stories about Islam and immigration, though judges have previously rejected claims that his activities constitute legitimate journalism.
In 2017, Mr Robinson was convicted of contempt of court after filming inside Canterbury Crown Court and posting prejudicial statements whilst a jury was deliberating in a trial involving allegations of child sexual exploitation.
Judge Heather Norton stated at the time: “This is not about free speech, not about the freedom of the press, nor about legitimate journalism, and not about political correctness. It is about justice and ensuring that a trial can be carried out justly and fairly.”
Multiple Legal Battles
The Channel Tunnel incident represents just one element of Mr Robinson’s ongoing legal difficulties. He faces separate charges of harassment causing fear of violence against two Daily Mail journalists, allegedly committed in August 2024.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June 2025 for that matter, elected for trial by jury, and was released on bail ahead of a pre-trial hearing at Southwark Crown Court. That trial is scheduled for October 2026.
Mr Robinson has also been convicted of stalking a journalist and her partner, receiving a five-year ban from contacting them or referring to them. In October 2023, he lost his appeal against the stalking ban order, having admitted that allegations he made were false.
Trial Continues
The trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court is expected to continue this week, with Mr Robinson maintaining his not guilty plea to the charge of failing to comply with Schedule 7 counter-terrorism powers.
The case raises important questions about the balance between national security powers and protections for journalistic material, as well as the extent to which individuals can claim such protections when refusing to comply with lawful police demands.
If convicted, Mr Robinson could face a prison sentence and a fine. The maximum penalty for failing to comply with Schedule 7 powers is three months’ imprisonment and a fine.
The trial continues.
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Image Credit:
Tommy Robinson at Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park — photo by Shayan Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
