Tommy Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been acquitted of a terror-related offence stemming from his refusal to grant police access to his mobile phone during a border stop. The 42-year-old far-right activist was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone on July 28 last year, while he was driving a silver Bentley Bentayga SUV and en route to the Spanish tourist destination of Benidorm.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that police, led by PC Mitchell Thorogood, became suspicious of Robinson's "vague replies" and "demeanour." They demanded access to his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. This legislation empowers police to stop individuals passing through a UK port to determine if they are involved in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. A person stopped under this act is legally obliged to answer questions and provide passwords or PINs for electronic devices, with refusal constituting a criminal offence.

Robinson steadfastly refused to provide the PIN for his phone. He asserted that the device contained "journalistic material" and information concerning "vulnerable girls." During the encounter, he reportedly told officers, "Not a chance bruv ... you look like c***s so you ain't having it." He also attempted to film himself being arrested on the way to an interview room, at which point officers advised him to "relax." Police also discovered a small bag containing £13,370 and €1,910 in his car, and noted that the Bentley SUV was not registered in his name, and his travel tickets had been booked on the day.

The two-day trial saw arguments from both the prosecution and defence. Prosecuting, Jo Morris, contended that PC Thorogood had legitimate concerns about Robinson's "notoriety for associating with far-right activists," suggesting a "reasonable suspicion" that his phone might contain information relevant to acts of terrorism. Conversely, Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, argued that the police intervention was a "fishing expedition" and discriminatory. He stated that there was no evidence from MI5 to suggest Robinson was a terrorist and suggested that the officer's decision was significantly influenced by Robinson's "protected characteristic," specifically his political beliefs, summarised as "oh look, it's Tommy Robinson." Williamson added that Robinson travelled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened suspicion, and criticized the stop as lacking diligence or expedition.

District Judge Sam Goozee delivered the verdict on Tuesday, clearing Robinson of the charge. The judge highlighted several "concerning" aspects of the police stop. He stated, "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 found that PC Thorogood's decision was based on a "protected characteristic," giving the impression of an "arbitrary stop about who you are and your beliefs." He further noted the officers' inability to recall what questions were asked or covered during the detention, and their confusion regarding their own powers. The judge concluded that the detention "lacked rigour" and that the Crown's submission linking Robinson to far-right terrorism was not supported by the officers' evidence. Despite the discovery of significant cash, Judge Goozee placed "no weight on that," declaring the stop "not lawful" and thus acquitting Robinson. The verdict, which had been delayed for three weeks due to Robinson's trip to Israel as a government guest, was met with cheers in the public gallery. Robinson also stated on X that billionaire Elon Musk had covered his legal bill, amounting to nearly £100,000.