Tommy Robinson — real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning after being charged with refusing to give police the PIN to his phone.
The former English Defence League (EDL) leader was stopped by Kent Police at the Channel Tunnel terminal in Folkestone on July 28, 2024, under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers to question and search anyone passing through UK borders to determine possible links to terrorism.
When asked to unlock his phone, Robinson reportedly refused, saying: “Not a chance, bruv,” the court heard.
Prosecutor Jo Morris told the court that Robinson claimed the phone contained “journalistic material”, including information about “vulnerable girls.”
She said officers explained the process for protecting such material, but Robinson still declined to hand over his PIN.
At the time of the incident, Robinson was driving a silver Bentley and told police he was heading to Benidorm for a few days. Officers found he was carrying €13,000 in cash.
The 41-year-old arrived at court today flanked by bodyguards, cheered by a small group of supporters and surrounded by photographers.
If found guilty, Robinson faces up to three months in prison and/or a £2,500 fine for refusing to comply with the order.
Under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, anyone stopped must legally answer police questions and provide access to electronic devices when requested. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution. Photo by Shayan Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn, Wikimedia commons.