Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been acquitted of a terror-related offence after refusing to provide police with his phone PIN during a border stop in Folkestone in July 2024. The case centred on a stop under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, which grants police powers to question individuals at ports to determine potential involvement in terrorism.
District Judge Sam Goozee ruled that the stop was unlawful, stating that it was based on Robinson's beliefs and what he 'stood for' rather than any specific suspicion of terrorist activity. The judge noted that these beliefs are a protected characteristic under the legislation, and that the police had engaged in what the defence described as a 'fishing expedition'.
Robinson was driving a silver Bentley Bentayga towards Benidorm, Spain, when officers stopped him at the Channel Tunnel. Police cited his 'vague replies' as justification for demanding access to his iPhone, but Robinson refused, citing journalistic material on the device. The court heard there was no evidence from MI5 linking Robinson to terrorism.
After his acquittal, Robinson thanked US tech billionaire Elon Musk for funding his legal costs. Supporters cheered in the public gallery as he left the dock. The judge expressed concern that the officers involved had 'no real recollection' of the questions they asked, and questioned whether the stop could be considered lawful and non-discriminatory.
