High-profile court hearing opens over alleged obstruction of counter-terrorism powers
A defiant Tommy Robinson, the controversial political activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, faced a trial opening this week in Westminster Magistrates Court after allegedly refusing to provide his phone PIN to police. The case centers on an incident in July 2024 when Robinson was stopped at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone while reportedly en route to Benidorm, Spain.
The charges and the key allegations
The Crown Prosecution Service says Robinson obstructed counter-terrorism authorities by declining to unlock his device. He faces a possible prison sentence of up to three months or a fine of up to £2,500 if convicted. Prosecutor Jo Morris outlined that Robinson had around £13,000 in cash and 1,900 euros when stopped and claimed the phone contained sensitive material related to his work as a journalist, which he argued justified withholding the pin.
What happened at the border stop?
The incident occurred at the Channel Tunnel border controls where police intervened after noting that Robinson answered questions with short, vague replies and did not make eye contact. He was in a silver Bentley SUV, a detail read to the court by the prosecution, who also noted that he bought travel tickets on the day rather than in advance. The officers’ account states that upon taking Robinson into an interview room and requesting access to his phone, he retorted, “Not a chance bruv… you look like a c*** so you ain’t having it.”
Robinson’s defence and the broader context
Robinson’s defence team, led by lawyer Alisdair Williamson KC, suggested that the stop could have been discriminatory on political grounds. The defence argues that the stop and the demand for access to the phone should be viewed in light of the political notoriety around Robinson, who has been a vocal and polarizing figure in UK politics. The police maintain their legal right to request access to electronic devices when they suspect involvement in terrorism or related activities, a power that can lead to a six-hour holding period at ports for questioning.
What’s at stake for Robinson
If found guilty, the 42-year-old could face immediate consequences, including imprisonment and fines. The trial has drawn attention not only for the individual involved but also for ongoing debates about the balance between privacy, press freedom, and national security powers. Robinson has used social media to attack the proceedings, posting claims about persecution and later suggesting that a prominent tech figure had funded his legal costs, a statement he described as “state persecution.”
Latest developments and public reaction
The case follows a large pro-UK rally led by Robinson a month earlier, underscoring his continued influence in certain political circles. As the trial proceeds, both the defense and the prosecution will present their arguments on whether the police acted correctly under the counter-terrorism provisions when requesting access to the phone’s data. The court will determine whether Robinson’s actions constituted an obstruction or a legitimate exercise of legal authority.
What to watch for next
Observers will be watching for more detailed testimony about the content of the phone and the specific basis for the government’s security concerns. The outcome could have implications for how counter-terrorism powers are exercised at UK ports and what level of proof is required to compel individuals to unlock devices in such contexts. The trial continues as both sides prepare further submissions and witnesses for the upcoming hearings.
