Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was found guilty of a terrorism offense after refusing police access to his phone in July 2024.
The 42-year-old, who was charged under his real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was stopped by Silkentone officers on the Folekestone Channel in Spen
Robinson refused to give the officers his phone’s PIN to stop, arguing that the device contained confidential materialistic material.
Judge Sam Goozee said he could not be sure the police had broken the law.
“I can’t help but think that’s exactly what you are [Tommy Robinson] stood up for the political beliefs that act for the fundamental reason for this stop”, said Judge Goozee.
Robinson was detained under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers to question people at UK ports to determine terrorism.
When he was asked to hand over the phone’s PIN, Robinson replied: “Not one time Bruv … this is my job, I’m a journalist.”
His Barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued that the stop was politically motivated, saying that the “said influence of Thotchell Thyogood which is:” ‘Ohny Robinson “‘.
Williamson added: “If MI5 didn’t think Mr Lennon was a terrorist, what did Thylogood think he would learn by questioning him in public?”
He also mentioned that Robinson’s frequent trips to Benidorm, should reduce, not improve, suspicion. Police said they were suspicious of Robinson’s “vague response” about his travel plans.
Judge Goozee criticized the conduct of the officers involved, saying they had “no real recollection” of the questions asked during the 40-minute stoppage in Robinson’s selection.
Stopping, he said, “gives the impression of an unreasonable decision based on who you are.” Additionally the decision appeared to be based on a “protected nature.”
“I cannot convict you,” concluded Judeo Goozeee.
Supporters in the public gallery at Westminster protested ‘Korihang Maliyoon’ as he was cleared of all charges.
In a video recorded before the hearing, Robinson said his legal fees were paid by Elon Musk.
After the verdict, he once again thanked the Tesla Boss boss of Tesla