A UK judge on Tuesday acquitted far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, of a terrorism-related offence stemming from his refusal to allow police access to his mobile phone in July 2024. The verdict was hailed as “damning” by Robinson and sparked cheers from his supporters.
The Judge’s Ruling and Unlawful Targeting
Judge Sam Goozee dismissed the case at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, concluding that police officers may have unlawfully targeted Robinson over “what he stood for” and his “beliefs” when they stopped him at the Channel Tunnel shuttle port in Folkestone, southeast England.
The Incident: Counter-terror police initially detained Robinson, who was en route to Spain in a silver Bentley not registered to him, due to “concerns over his travel arrangements” and because he gave “vague and short” answers. He then refused to provide the PIN to his mobile phone, a requirement under anti-terror laws, leading to the charge. Robinson, who had about £13,000 and 1,700 euros in cash, argued he was a journalist protecting sensitive content and that he was unlawfully targeted due to his political profile.
The Officer’s Admission: Judge Goozee noted that the officer involved admitted he recognized Robinson when he initiated the stop, and this recognition appeared to be “a significant influence” on his decision-making.
The Verdict: Goozee stated, “I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your beliefs that acted as a principal reason for the stop.” He was not satisfied that police acted “in accordance” with the “statutory purpose” of the anti-terror law, and consequently found Robinson not guilty.
Robinson’s Reaction and Support
The 42-year-old activist, a highly contentious figure with a significant online following and a string of criminal convictions, was jubilant after the verdict.
“Slamdown Against the Police”: Robinson called the verdict “damning” and a “slamdown against the police” outside the court.
Elon Musk’s Role: He publicly thanked US billionaire Elon Musk, who controversially addressed Robinson’s September rally, for reportedly covering his legal bill.
Future Rally Vowed: Robinson, who drew approximately 150,000 people to a far-right protest in London in September, vowed to hold an even “bigger, better, louder” far-right rally in the future.
Supporters celebrated the outcome, with one, Derek Marshall, hailing the verdict as evidence that “justice has been carried out, rather than the will of the government.” Former MP Andrew Bridgen also expressed relief, accusing police of constant overreach.
Robinson, a former football hooligan who founded the anti-immigrant English Defence League (EDL) in 2009, has multiple prior convictions, including for mortgage fraud, public order, and contempt of court. He was only released from jail in May after serving seven months for breaching a court order.
UK Judge Clears Tommy Robinson Of Terrorism Offence, Citing Possible Unlawful Targeting
