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3h ago

Tommy Robinson Goes on Trial Over Refusal to Give Phone PIN After Channel Tunnel Stop

The two-day case tests the reach of Schedule 7 stop powers against Robinson's assertion of journalistic protection.

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British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known by the pseudonym Tommy Robinson, arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is on trial charged with an offence under the Terrorism Act, in London, Britain, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known by the pseudonym Tommy Robinson, arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is on trial charged with an offence under the Terrorism Act, in London, Britain, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known by the pseudonym Tommy Robinson, arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is on trial charged with an offence under the Terrorism Act, in London, Britain, October 13, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe

Overview

  • Prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates' Court that officers stopped Robinson in July 2024 at the Channel Tunnel, citing his demeanour, a last‑minute booking and a high‑value Bentley not registered to him.
  • Police seized his iPhone and a bag containing about £13,370 and €1,910, and the court heard he replied "Not a chance, bruv" when asked for the PIN, saying the device held sensitive journalistic material.
  • The prosecution said officers explained how any journalistic material would be protected, while Robinson denies wilfully failing to comply with Schedule 7 requirements.
  • Defence counsel questioned the stop as potentially discriminatory and challenged the rationale, asking whether terrorists typically travel in conspicuous high‑value vehicles.
  • Robinson has claimed Elon Musk is paying his legal costs, which has not been confirmed; the trial resumes Tuesday and the offence carries a maximum three‑month sentence or a £2,500 fine.