In a dramatic legal turn, far-right figure Tommy Robinson has been cleared of a terror-related offence after a judge ruled that police stopped him at the UK border based on his beliefs, not credible suspicion.
Former EDL Leader Acquitted After Border Detention Deemed Unlawful
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, walked free from Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being acquitted of refusing to hand over his phone passcode during a stop at the Channel Tunnel.
District Judge Sam Goozee declared the stop “unlawful,” stating that it was influenced more by Robinson’s controversial ideology than any proven link to terrorism.
“I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your beliefs that acted as the principal reason for the stop,” said Judge Goozee, referencing the police conduct.
Robinson, 42, had been driving a silver Bentley Bentayga SUV towards Benidorm, Spain, when he was stopped by officers at Folkestone on 28 July 2024.
Authorities questioned him under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, which allows police to detain individuals passing through UK borders to assess potential terror involvement.
Border Stop Based on Beliefs, Not Behaviour
During the two-day trial, Robinson’s legal team argued the police had no real evidence to suggest any terror connection. Instead, they branded the operation a “fishing expedition”.
Robinson refused to provide his iPhone passcode, claiming it contained sensitive “journalistic material.” The judge ultimately agreed the stop was discriminatory.
Police officers involved admitted they had “no real recollection” of the questions posed to Robinson — a detail the judge described as “concerning.”
No Link to Terrorism, No Legal Grounds
The court heard no intelligence from MI5 or other sources to indicate Robinson had any links to terrorism. The judge acknowledged the complexity of distinguishing between political beliefs and extremist actions, noting:
“I accept it may be impossible to draw a line between your political beliefs, philosophical beliefs and terrorism… Officers may cross the line into terrorism or links to terrorism within the spirit of the purposes of Schedule 7.”
However, he added, “Based on the evidence, I cannot be satisfied that the stop was lawful and not discriminatory.”
Elon Musk Backed Legal Costs
Following his acquittal, Robinson publicly thanked tech billionaire Elon Musk for financing his legal defence. The gesture from the X (formerly Twitter) owner has sparked further debate around free speech and high-profile backing of controversial figures.
There was applause from supporters in the courtroom gallery as Robinson exited the dock.
Key Takeaways:
- Robinson stopped under the Terrorism Act en route to Spain
- Refused to give phone PIN, citing journalistic confidentiality
- The judge ruled the police stop was unlawful and influenced by beliefs
- No terror links or evidence presented by MI5
- Elon Musk reportedly funded Robinson’s legal fees
This ruling has triggered renewed scrutiny over Schedule 7 powers and how they’re used. Civil liberties groups have long argued these powers can be misused to target individuals based on ideology or ethnicity, rather than clear evidence.
In Robinson’s case, the judge’s comments echoed those concerns, suggesting the border stop was rooted more in prejudice than genuine threat.
With public opinion divided, one thing is clear: this case could set a precedent for how UK authorities interpret and apply anti-terror laws in future.
