A trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was stopped at the Channel Tunnel border in Folkestone while travelling in a Bentley Bentayga on a trip to Benidorm. His defence contends the stop was unlawful and rooted in a discriminatory stance linked to his political views after officers questioned him and demanded access to his phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act.

Prosecutors said officers were concerned about Robinson’s notoriety for links with far-right activists and that there was a reasonable suspicion that information relevant to acts of terrorism could be on his device. Robinson was taken to an interview room where his phone was seized; he attempted to film the moment and refused to provide the device’s PIN. The court also heard that he had more than £13,000 and €1,900 on him, was driving a high-value car not registered in his name, and had booked travel tickets on the day of the incident. The defence argued the stop did not demonstrate diligent or expeditious handling and amounted to a fishing expedition with no link to terrorism.

On the prosecution side, Jo Morris said officers grew concerned about Robinson’s demeanour after he drove alone into the inspection area and noted the possibility the phone could contain information related to terrorism. The process for protecting journalistic material was explained to him. If found guilty, Robinson faces up to three months in prison and/or a £2,500 fine. District Judge Sam Goozee said a ruling would be delivered on 4 November because Robinson is travelling to Israel as a guest of the government.