Tommy Robinson’s high-stakes court battle over terror law violation at Channel Tunnel captivates, as trial examines clash with police powers. Live updates from UK Courts Live.
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on charges under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, stemming from an incident at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone last July.
The former English Defence League leader is accused of wilfully failing to provide the PIN code to his mobile phone when stopped by counter-terrorism officers. This alleged refusal occurred on 28 July 2024 at the Channel Tunnel terminal in Cheriton, Kent, where authorities exercised powers to examine individuals for potential involvement in terrorism-related activities. Under Schedule 7, police at UK ports can detain and question travellers to assess any links to the commission, preparation, or instigation of terrorist acts, with a legal obligation for suspects to disclose access codes to electronic devices.
Failure to comply can result in charges, carrying a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment upon conviction. Robinson surrendered himself at a Folkestone police station in October of the previous year, following the initial stop. He arrived at court amid cheers from supporters gathered outside the building.
The 42-year-old’s trial is set to unfold with evidence centred on the circumstances of the encounter and his compliance with the statutory duties imposed. Schedule 7 grants broad powers to officers without requiring reasonable suspicion, aimed at safeguarding national security at borders. Prosecutors assert that Robinson’s non-compliance directly breached these provisions, as detailed in the charge sheet. Defence arguments may challenge the application of the law or the specifics of the interaction, though proceedings will clarify the positions.
This case highlights the ongoing use of anti-terror legislation in routine border checks, drawing attention to the balance between security measures and individual rights. As the hearing progresses, UK Courts Live will provide real-time updates from the courtroom, adhering strictly to factual reporting of statements and events as they occur.
Stay tuned for live dispatches, ensuring comprehensive coverage without speculation or bias:
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Real-time updates from Westminster Magistrates’ Court as Tommy Robinson faces Terrorism Act charges.
🔴 CLOSING REPORT FROM COURT
Proceedings conclude at Westminster Magistrates’ Court; updates on Tommy Robinson’s trial end for today ⬇️
🔴 COURT ADJOURNS FOR THE DAY
The district judge adjourns proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court following the scheduling discussion ⬇️
🔴 PROVISIONAL RULING DATE SET
The district judge provisionally agrees on November 4th for handing down the ruling in Tommy Robinson’s case ⬇️
🔴 JUDGE CONSULTS TOMMY ON DATES
The district judge speaks directly to Tommy Robinson regarding suitable dates for the ruling ⬇️
🔴 LAWYERS DISCUSS SCHEDULE OPTIONS
The district judge and lawyers exchange proposed dates to accommodate Tommy Robinson’s trial ruling ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON PROPOSES ALTERNATE DATE
Williamson requests a new date, suggesting October 25th when Tommy Robinson returns, due to his current commitments ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON NOTES TRAVEL CONFLICT
Williamson informs the court Tommy Robinson will be in Israel, hosted by a foreign government, complicating date changes ⬇️
🔴 JUDGE ANNOUNCES DECISION DATE
The district judge indicates a decision on Tommy Robinson’s case will be handed down, with a date to be confirmed ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CONCLUDES REMARKS
Alisdair Williamson KC finishes his closing statements in Tommy Robinson’s trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON ADDRESSES JOURNALISM CLAIM
Williamson notes Tommy Robinson considered himself a journalist, arguing police handling is irrelevant given the alleged unlawful stop ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON ALLEGES DISCRIMINATION
Williamson claims Tommy Robinson’s detention was discriminatory, linked significantly to his political views as a protected characteristic ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON SEEKS QUESTION EVIDENCE
Williamson states determining statutory purpose requires knowing the questions and officers’ intent, with no such evidence provided ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CHALLENGES QUESTION RELEVANCE
Williamson argues the questions to Tommy Robinson were unrelated to terrorism, lacking evidence of statutory purpose ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS INTERVIEW PURPOSE
Williamson raises the overarching issue of the interviews’ intent, questioning the lawfulness of Tommy Robinson’s 40-minute detention ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON ARGUES UNLAWFUL DETENTION
Williamson contends that once Tommy Robinson was unlawfully detained, this affects the entirety of the proceedings ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CITES INTELLIGENCE ABSENCE
Williamson asserts no intelligence from services suggests Tommy Robinson is a terrorist, as presented in court ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON LISTS UNASKED QUESTIONS
Williamson provides examples of relevant questions that might have been asked, noting none were posed or recalled by the officer ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON REFERENCES EXTERNAL INQUIRIES
Alisdair Williamson KC states police consulted others, including MI5, with no indication of concerns raised regarding Tommy Robinson ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON HIGHLIGHTS OFFICER INEXPERIENCE
Williamson notes the interrogating officers had limited Terrorism Act experience, one with 18 months and another with weeks ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON FINDS NO CONNECTION EVIDENCE
Williamson emphasizes no evidence was presented that police explored Tommy Robinson’s connections during the detention ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON NOTES EDL KNOWLEDGE GAP
Williamson points out the officer’s limited knowledge of the English Defence League, disbanded a decade ago, in the selection criteria ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON EMPHASIZES INFORMING DETAINEE
Williamson stresses detainees must be kept informed, raising this as a concern in Tommy Robinson’s Channel Tunnel stop ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS DETENTION NECESSITY
Williamson asks if continuing detention was necessary, whether examination was diligent, and if a lawyer was called for Tommy Robinson ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON OUTLINES EXAMINATION PROCESS
Williamson explains Schedule 7’s code mandates initial examination within an hour, with detention and further powers only if serious, as relevant to Tommy Robinson ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CITES LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Williamson argues Schedule 7 requires examining officers to make specific decisions and disclosures, allegedly unmet in Tommy Robinson’s case ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION DEFENDS OFFICER POWER
The prosecution asserts the officer had authority, while Williamson questions proportionality without the officer’s understanding ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON NOTES OFFICER POWER GAP
Williamson states the officer could not explain the power used to detain Tommy Robinson and direct him to park ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CRITIQUES WITNESS STATEMENTS
Williamson highlights inadequacies in the officer’s witness statement, noting lack of date, time, or selection criteria details ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CHALLENGES VEHICLE LOGIC
Williamson suggests a terrorist would unlikely use a noticeable car, contrasting with Tommy Robinson’s detention circumstances ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION CLAIMS VAGUENESS
The prosecution states Tommy Robinson was vague, though he answered where he was going (Spain) and ticket timing (today) ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS THREAT ASSESSMENT
Williamson argues 34 seconds was insufficient to determine Tommy Robinson posed a terrorist threat at the Channel Tunnel ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON HIGHLIGHTS TIME GAP
Williamson notes 34 seconds elapsed between Tommy Robinson handing over his passport and being directed to park for further interrogation ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON NOTES TRAVEL PATTERNS
Williamson points out police could have checked Tommy Robinson’s frequent Spain travel, linked to his residence, during the stop ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON STRESSES TERROR THREAT
Williamson asserts the “threat” of terrorism must be active and real to justify detention under Schedule 7 in Tommy Robinson’s case ⬇️
🔴 OFFICERS CITE MEMORY ISSUES
Multiple officers, when questioned on their conduct, repeatedly state “can’t remember” details of Tommy Robinson’s detention ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER LISTS DISCUSSION TOPICS
The officer lists topics with Tommy Robinson including views on UK, religion, public affairs, and news events during the interrogation ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON PROBES QUESTION CONTENT
Williamson inquires if the officer asked Tommy Robinson anything beyond publicly available material, with the officer confirming no such questions ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER REPEATS MEMORY LAPSE
The officer repeatedly states “I can’t remember” when questioned about conduct during Tommy Robinson’s Channel Tunnel stop ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CHALLENGES OFFICER RECALL
Williamson asks the first officer how he distinguished Tommy Robinson’s political stance from terrorism, with the officer responding, “I don’t remember” ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CITES SUPREME COURT
Williamson references Supreme Court guidance, noting longer detention requires reasonable suspicion of terrorism, absent in Tommy Robinson’s case ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS DETENTION LENGTH
Williamson argues that a six-hour detention is disproportionate in most cases under the Terrorism Act, as raised in Tommy Robinson’s case ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON HIGHLIGHTS DETENTION CARE
Alisdair Williamson KC states that detaining someone without suspicion under Schedule 7 must be conducted with care in Tommy Robinson’s trial ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUOTES CASE LAW
Williamson cites Schedule 7 case law, stating powers must be proportionate, non-arbitrary, terrorism-informed, and not based on political beliefs or race/ethnicity ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON ARGUES AGAINST POLITICAL USE
Williamson asserts a person’s political position cannot justify arrest under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON DISCUSS LEGAL BALANCE
Williamson addresses the state’s use of Schedule 7, questioning if it was arbitrary, political, or the least intrusive means possible ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CITES TERRORISM DEFINITION
Williamson references the legal definition of terrorism, highlighting it must involve serious violence to promote a political view ⬇️
🔴 JUDGE ADDRESSES GALLERY DISRUPTION
The district judge interrupts, noting a laptop user in the public gallery, instructing her to close it and asking, “Who are you?” She replies, “a would-be magistrate” ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CHALLENGES PROSECUTION CLAIM
Williamson states no evidence of Tommy Robinson’s associations was raised during the trial, noting the prosecution’s late mention without substantiation ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON DELIVERS CLOSING REMARKS
Alisdair Williamson KC rises to present closing statements for Tommy Robinson’s trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTOR DISCUSSES OFFICER ACTIONS
Jo Morris submits that officers applied a legitimate criterion in selecting Tommy Robinson for questioning at the Channel Tunnel
🔴 COURT BREAK DECLARED
Williamson requests an hour for closing comments, Morris opts for brevity; the judge adjourns court until 11:30am for a break ⬇️
🔴 LAWYERS DISCUSS SCHEDULE WITH JUDGE
The district judge confers with Morris & Williamson on timing, addressing schedules for remaining submissions in Tommy Robinson’s trial ⬇️
🔴 PASSPORT FACT AGREED IN COURT
Morris & Alisdair Williamson KC agree to enter Tommy Robinson’s passport as evidence, showing frequent Spain travel, countering prosecution’s unusual activity claim ⬇️
🔴 COURT RESUMES FOR DAY 2 HEARING
Westminster Magistrates’ Court reconvenes with the District Judge Sam Goozee presiding; Tommy Robinson’s trial under Terrorism Act charges resumes ⬇️
🔴 TOMMY ROBINSON - TERRORISM TRIAL - DAY 1 - PM:
🔴 DAY 1 ADJOURNS
The judge adjourns Tommy Robinson’s trial after the afternoon session, with proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court concluding for the day at ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 DEFENCE QUESTIONS IF LEGAL BASIS WAS COMMUNICATED
Williamson inquires if the witness heard officers explain the legal basis for requesting Tommy Robinson’s PIN under Schedule 7 ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS CONFIRMS LEGAL EXPLANATION
The witness states officers informed Tommy Robinson of his obligation to comply with Schedule 7 during the Channel Tunnel detention ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WITNESS DESCRIBES SCENE CONTEXT
The witness states the Channel Tunnel stop occurred in a controlled area, with officers and Tommy Robinson visible during the interrogation ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON SEEKS FURTHER DETAIL
Alisdair Williamson KC asks the witness to elaborate on Tommy Robinson’s response to police requests at the Channel Tunnel on 28 July 2024 ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS RECALLS REFUSAL DETAILS
The witness testifies that Tommy Robinson repeatedly declined to provide his phone PIN, citing personal rights during the stop ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WITNESS AFFIRMS OFFICER ACTIONS
The witness states officers followed protocol, repeating the request for Tommy Robinson’s PIN before escalating to formal warnings ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS NOTES OFFICER PERSISTENCE
The witness states officers persisted with requests for Tommy Robinson’s PIN, repeating the legal obligation multiple times during the stop ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON PROBES WITNESS CONSISTENCY
Alisdair Williamson KC questions the witness on consistency between their account and police logs of Tommy Robinson’s Channel Tunnel stop ⬇️
🔴 WITNESS REFERENCES OFFICIAL RECORDS
The witness confirms their testimony aligns with police logs, detailing Tommy Robinson’s refusal to provide his phone PIN on 28 July 2024 ⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE CHALLENGES WITNESS VIEW
Williamson asks if the witness had a clear view of all interactions with Tommy Robinson, with the witness affirming their position at the scene ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WILLIAMSON CHALLENGES STATEMENT ORDER
Williamson questions if the third statement, mentioning “short, vague answers,” was used to justify the initial interrogation, with the officer unable to recall specifics ⬇️
🔴 COURT HEARS OF INTERROGATION DURATION
Williamson states the interrogation lasted 30 mins, asking if the officer’s memory aligns, with the officer confirming but offering no further details ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS TRAVEL FREQUENCY
Alisdair Williamson KC asks the officer how often Stephen Yaxley-Lennon travels to Spain, with the officer confirming frequent trips but lacking specific knowledge ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTION BEGINS QUESTIONING
Prosecutor Jo Morris starts questioning the new witness, focusing on events during the Channel Tunnel interrogation ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON PROBES WITNESS DETAIL
Alisdair Williamson KC questions the witness on the exact wording of police warnings to Tommy Robinson during the Channel Tunnel stop on 28 July 2024 ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS SECOND STATEMENT
Alisdair Williamson KC asks why a second witness statement was written the day after the stop, with the officer stating it related to paperwork from the Channel Tunnel incident ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 JUDGE MONITORS PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR
The judge observes the public gallery, ensuring order is maintained as the afternoon session continues without active testimony ⬇️
🔴 PROCEEDINGS REMAIN ON HOLD
The court holds its position, with no new witnesses called and the focus remaining on maintaining order in the public gallery ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTOR JO MORRIS STANDS SILENT
Jo Morris remains standing but does not speak, as the public gallery begins to chatter and laugh during the afternoon session at Westminster Magistrates’ Court ⬇️
🔴 SECURITY CALLS FOR SILENCE
A security guard requests silence in the courtroom, with some members of the public gallery complying while others continue talking ⬇️
🔴 COURT OBSERVES PROCEEDING PAUSE
The judge oversees a temporary pause as the atmosphere settles, with no further statements or evidence presented at this stage ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 COURT MOVES TO NEXT WITNESS
Proceedings shift as the court prepares to hear from the next witness, with the current officer’s testimony fully concluded ⬇️
🔴 JUDGE OVERSEES TRANSITION
The judge oversees the transition, ensuring all parties are ready as the afternoon session continues at Westminster Magistrates’ Court ⬇️
🔴 PUBLIC GALLERY REMAINS ACTIVE
The public gallery observes silently as the court adjusts for the next phase, with no disruptions reported during the transition ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 SECOND STATEMENT PURPOSE STATED
Williamson inquires about a second witness statement, with the officer testifying it was written the next day, relating to paperwork from 28 July 2024 ⬇️
🔴 PAPER HANDOVER DISCUSSED
Williamson asks about a paper handed to Yaxley-Lennon, with the officer stating they cannot recall its contents during the court proceedings ⬇️
🔴 THIRD STATEMENT TIMING NOTED
Williamson notes a third witness statement from August, with the officer confirming it was requested and written from memory without notes ⬇️
UPDATES
UPDATES
🔴 WILLIAMSON RESUMES QUESTIONING
Alisdair Williamson KC continues cross-examination, asking the officer if consultations with senior officers occurred during the 28 July 2024 stop ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER CONFIRMS SENIOR INPUT
The officer testifies that senior officers were consulted as part of the procedure during Tommy Robinson’s detention at the Channel Tunnel ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS OFFICER’S AWARENESS
Alisdair Williamson KC asks if the officer knew Tommy Robinson’s views were well-known, with the officer confirming awareness during the Channel Tunnel stop ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 PUBLIC GALLERY MONITORED
A court officer enters the public gallery, with a member of the press asking if an arrest is planned; the officer confirms no action is intended ⬇️
🔴 COURT OFFICER ADDRESSES GALLERY
The court officer stands behind a member of the press in the public gallery, responding to a query by confirming no arrest is planned during the proceedings ⬇️
🔴 CLERK RETURNS TO COURTROOM
The clerk re-enters Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with the judge still absent as the afternoon session continues to unfold ⬇️
🔴 JUDGE REJOINS PROCEEDINGS
The judge returns to the bench, resuming oversight of Tommy Robinson’s trial under Terrorism Act charges at the Channel Tunnel stop ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 OFFICER CONFIRMS STATEMENT ADDITIONS
The officer testifies that additional statements were provided at the request of authorities to fill in details from the Channel Tunnel interrogation ⬇️
🔴 COURT HEARS OF TESTIMONY END
The officer’s testimony concludes, with no further questions from either party as the hearing moves to the next stage of proceedings ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTOR JO MORRIS TAKES OVER
Prosecutor Jo Morris rises to question the officer, asking if subsequent witness statements were requested to address gaps in the initial report ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WILLIAMSON CHALLENGES RELEVANCE
Williamson asks if probing Tommy Robinson’s views relates to terrorism, with the officer unable to specify how this was assessed during the stop ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER UNINFORMED OF TERROR HISTORY
Alisdair Williamson KC asks if Tommy Robinson has a terrorism history, with the officer stating they are unaware of any such connection ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON CONCLUDES CROSS-EXAMINATION
Williamson finishes questioning the officer, with no further inquiries raised regarding Tommy Robinson’s Channel Tunnel stop on 28 July 2024 ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WILLIAMSON PROBES QUESTION SCOPE
Alisdair Williamson KC asks what questions beyond political views were posed to Tommy Robinson, with the officer unable to recall specifics beyond the witness statement ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER NOTES NO TERROR LINK
The officer testifies that at the end of Tommy Robinson’s Channel Tunnel interrogation, no evidence suggested involvement in terrorism activities ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS DISCUSSION TOPICS
Williamson inquires what was discussed, with the officer stating the conversation included current affairs and news during the 28 July 2024 stop ⬇️
🔴 PUBLIC DATA HIGHLIGHTED
Williamson suggests questions to Tommy Robinson relied on publicly available material, with the officer confirming this but offering no further details ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 OFFICER DESCRIBES DOCUMENT HANDOVER
Williamson queries a moment where the officer handed a paper to Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, with the officer unable to recall the document’s contents during testimony ⬇️
🔴 THIRD STATEMENT DISCUSSED
Williamson notes a third witness statement from August, with the officer testifying it was written at the request of authorities, based on memory without notes ⬇️
🔴 WILLIAMSON QUESTIONS STATEMENT USE
Williamson asks if the third statement justified the interrogation, with the officer unable to recall specific details from the Channel Tunnel stop ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 WITNESS STATEMENT DETAILS CHALLENGED
Williamson notes the absence of reference to these checks in the officer’s witness statement; the officer agrees it is not mentioned ⬇️
🔴 OMISSIONS IN STATEMENT ADMITTED
The officer acknowledges that the witness statement lacks essential details and that certain things were omitted ⬇️
UPDATES
🔴 DEFENCE QUESTIONS OFFICER ON CHECKS
Alisdair Williamson KC asks the officer what they were doing; the officer states they were conducting checks on Stephen Yaxley-Lennon ⬇️
🔴 NO INFORMATION FROM PARTNER AGENCIES
Williamson inquires if anything was learned from partner agencies; the officer confirms no information was obtained ⬇️
🔴 CHECKS BY OTHER OFFICERS DISCUSSED
The officer testifies that other officers were also making checks and waiting for responses during the stop ⬇️
🔴 COURT BACK IN SESSION - PM
Court resumes at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for the afternoon as Tommy Robinson’s terror trial continues
🔴 TOMMY ROBINSON - TERRORISM TRIAL - DAY 1 - AM:
- WEBSITE UPDATES IN PROCESS -
COURT UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTION SUBMITS CCTV FOOTAGE
Prosecutor Jo Morris presents CCTV footage from the Channel Tunnel terminal on 28 July 2024, showing Stephen Yaxley-Lennon’s interaction with officers during the Schedule 7 stop ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER CONFIRMS VIDEO EVIDENCE
The third officer verifies the footage, noting it captures Yaxley-Lennon being asked for his phone’s PIN and his refusal, consistent with written logs from the incident ⬇️
🔴 FOOTAGE SHOWS YAXLEY-LENNON’S RESPONSE
The video depicts Yaxley-Lennon refusing to unlock his phone, stating he was not obliged to comply, despite officers explaining the legal requirement under Schedule 7 ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTION CALLS THIRD OFFICER
Prosecutor Jo Morris introduces testimony from a third officer present at the Channel Tunnel stop, who corroborates the request for Stephen Yaxley-Lennon’s phone PIN on 28 July 2024 ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 OFFICER DESCRIBES FORMAL CAUTION
The third officer testifies that Yaxley-Lennon was formally cautioned about potential prosecution for failing to comply with Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after refusing to provide his PIN ⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE QUESTIONS OFFICER’S ROLE
Alisdair Williamson KC asks the third officer about their specific duties during the stop, with the officer confirming they assisted in logging the interaction & securing the device ⬇️
🔴 DETAILS OF INTERACTION TIMELINE
The officer outlines that Yaxley-Lennon was detained for questioning for under an hour, with multiple requests for the PIN made during a structured Schedule 7 examination process ⬇️
🔴 COURT HEARS OF PROCEDURE ADHERENCE
The third officer states that all actions followed counter-terrorism protocols, with Yaxley-Lennon’s refusal documented & reported to senior officers for further action ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 DEFENCE QUESTIONS STOP’S DURATION
Alisdair Williamson KC asks the officer about the length of the detention, with the officer stating the stop lasted approximately 45 minutes due to Yaxley-Lennon’s non-compliance ⬇️
🔴 EVIDENCE OF DEVICE SEIZURE
The officer confirms that Yaxley-Lennon’s phone was secured in a tamper-proof evidence bag after he declined to provide the PIN, following standard procedure for Schedule 7 stops⬇️
🔴 COURT HEARS OF SUSPECT’S DEMEANOUR
The officer describes Yaxley-Lennon as calm but defiant during the interaction, insisting he would not unlock his phone despite understanding the consequences outlined ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTION PRESENTS WRITTEN RECORD
Prosecutor Jo Morris submits the officer’s written log from 28 July 2024, documenting Stephen Yaxley-Lennon’s refusal to provide his phone’s PIN during the Channel Tunnel stop⬇️
🔴 OFFICER CONFIRMS VERBAL WARNINGS
The second officer testifies that Yaxley-Lennon was verbally warned three times about the legal obligation to unlock his device, with each warning noted in the official record ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 DEFENCE PROBES OFFICER’S TRAINING
Alisdair Williamson KC asks the officer about training for Schedule 7 stops, with the officer confirming familiarity with procedures & authority to request device access codes ⬇️
🔴 DETAILS OF DETENTION ENVIRONMENT
The officer describes the search area at the Channel Tunnel terminal as a controlled zone, with Yaxley-Lennon cooperative during the physical search but firm in refusing phone access ⬇️
🔴 COURT HEARS OF ESCALATION PROTOCOL
The officer states that after repeated refusals, senior officers were informed, & Yaxley-Lennon was formally cautioned about potential charges for non-compliance under the Terrorism Act ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 COURT HEARS OF WARNINGS ISSUED
The officer confirms Yaxley-Lennon was warned multiple times that failing to provide the PIN could lead to charges under the Terrorism Act, with no compliance offered ⬇️
🔴 PROSECUTION INTRODUCES TIMELINE EVIDENCE
Prosecutor Jo Morris presents a timeline of events from 28 July 2024, detailing Stephen Yaxley-Lennon’s stop at the Channel Tunnel and subsequent refusal to provide his phone’s PIN to officers ⬇️
🔴 OFFICER RECOUNTS YAXLEY-LENNON’S RESPONSE
The second officer testifies that Yaxley-Lennon questioned the legality of the stop, asserting his rights, but was informed that compliance with Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act was mandatory ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 DEFENCE QUESTIONS STOP’S VALIDITY
Alisdair Williamson KC presses the officer on whether the stop was pre-planned, with the officer stating it was a routine check prompted by Yaxley-Lennon’s arrival at the terminal ⬇️
🔴 EVIDENCE BAG PROCEDURE OUTLINED
The officer describes sealing Yaxley-Lennon’s phone in an evidence bag after his refusal to unlock it, noting the device was retained for further examination as per protocol ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 OFFICER EXPLAINS TERRORISM ACT PROCEDURE
The second officer testifies that Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 was invoked to question Stephen Yaxley-Lennon at the Channel Tunnel, confirming standard protocol for port stops was followed ⬇️
🔴 DETAILS OF PIN REFUSAL EMERGE
Prosecutor Jo Morris elicits that Yaxley-Lennon repeatedly refused to provide his phone’s PIN, citing privacy concerns, despite being informed it was a legal requirement under Schedule 7 ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 DEFENCE CROSS-EXAMINES OFFICER
Alisdair Williamson KC questions the officer on the basis for the stop, noting the vehicle not belonging to Yaxley-Lennon and ticket purchase on arrival as factors ⬇️
🔴 FURTHER QUESTIONING ON DETENTION
Williamson inquires if the officer discussed stopping a public figure and whether the detention was necessary, with the officer affirming it was ⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTION CALLS SECOND POLICE WITNESS
Prosecutor Jo Morris questions the second officer, who confirms recognizing Stephen Yaxley-Lennon from media reports and asking about his vehicle upon arrival at the Channel Tunnel terminal⬇️
🔴 OFFICER DETAILS INITIAL INTERACTION
The second officer states Yaxley-Lennon was directed to search lane 5 and asked to bring his phone; he attempted to record, claiming detention under the Terrorism Act ⬇️
🔴 SEARCH AND SEIZURE DESCRIBED
The officer reports Yaxley-Lennon was searched, his locked phone seized and placed in an evidence bag; he was asked for the PIN multiple times and warned of consequences for refusal⬇️
COURT UPDATES
🔴 TOMMY ROBINSON ARRIVES FOR TERROR TRIAL
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon enters Westminster Magistrates’ Court flanked by photographers, cheered by supporters outside as proceedings begin ⬇️
🔴 COURT SEATED FOR DAY 1 HEARING
All parties now in position before the bench; the judge-only trial under Terrorism Act charges is underway, with evidence on the Channel Tunnel stop to follow ⬇️
🔴 TOMMY ROBINSON ARRIVES FOR TERROR TRIAL
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon enters Westminster Magistrates’ Court flanked by photographers, cheered by supporters outside as proceedings begin ⬇️
🔴 COURT SEATED FOR DAY 1 HEARING
All parties now in position before the bench; the judge-only trial under Terrorism Act charges is underway, with evidence on the Channel Tunnel stop to follow ⬇️
🔴 MIDNIGHT VETO: THE BURNHAM PRECEDENT & THE HIGH COURT HORIZON
