Tommy Robinson Found Not Guilty of Terror Offence After Refusing to Hand Over Phone PIN

Activist Tommy Robinson has been found not guilty of a terror-related offence after refusing to give police access to his mobile phone during a stop at the Channel Tunnel in 2024.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 after being stopped by police officers at Folkestone while driving a friend’s silver Bentley to Benidorm, Spain, in July 2024.

During the stop, he refused to provide the PIN to his phone, arguing that the device contained confidential journalistic material. When asked for the code, Robinson replied:

“Not a chance, bruv. It’s my work — I’m a journalist.”

He was detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows officers at UK ports and borders to question individuals to determine potential involvement in terrorism, even in the absence of reasonable suspicion.

However, District Judge Sam Goozee, sitting at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, ruled that he could not be sure the police stop was lawful — and that it appeared to have been influenced by Robinson’s political beliefs.

“I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you [Tommy Robinson] stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principal reason for this stop,”
Judge Goozee said.
“The stop gave the impression of an arbitrary decision based on who you are. It appeared to be based on a protected characteristic. I cannot convict you.”

The judge also criticised the conduct of the officers involved, saying they had “no real recollection” of the questions asked during the 40-minute stop and had failed to record clear reasons for selecting Robinson.

Robinson’s barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued that the stop was politically motivated and that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was recognition of his identity.

“The predominant influence on PC Mitchell Thorogood’s decision to stop him was, ‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson,’”
Williamson told the court.
“If MI5 didn’t think that Mr Lennon is a terrorist, what did PC Thorogood think he was going to learn by asking him about publicly available information?”

He added that Robinson’s frequent travel to Benidorm should have made his trip appear routine rather than suspicious. Police had argued they became concerned after receiving “vague replies” about his travel plans.

Judge Goozee concluded that the stop appeared unjustified and disproportionate:

“The stop gave the impression of an arbitrary decision based on who you are. I cannot convict you.”

Supporters in the public gallery cheered as the judge announced the verdict, and Robinson smiled as he was cleared of all charges.

In a video recorded before the hearing, Robinson said his legal fees had been paid by Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter). After the verdict, he again thanked Musk for helping fund his legal defence.

“Elon Musk, I am forever grateful,” Robinson said.
“If you didn’t step in and fund my legal fight for this, then I’d probably be in jail.”