Tommy Robinson Cleared of Charges Under Terrorism Act
Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been acquitted by a British judge of failing to provide his mobile phone PIN to police. The court concluded that the authorities could not prove his detention was lawful.
Robinson faced officers at the UK border while attempting to drive to Spain last year. He was detained under the Terrorism Act but refused to unlock his phone, citing his role as a journalist who needed to safeguard confidential information. Ultimately, the judge found the grounds for his detention dubious, leading to Robinson’s acquittal.
If the prosecution had succeeded, Robinson could have been labeled a terrorist, facing a lengthy prison sentence due to the request made under the Terrorism Act.
District Judge Sam Goosey emphasized that the Terrorism Act’s purpose is to address terrorist activities and raised concerns about whether Robinson’s stop was influenced by political bias against his views. He pointed out the officer’s confusion regarding the situation and noted a lack of evidence linking Robinson’s questioning to terrorism.
While testifying, police provided various justifications for Robinson’s detention, but the judge remarked that the underlying reason for the stop seemed linked to Robinson’s beliefs, which should be protected. Despite a background check revealing no incriminating information, the ruling raised questions about the motives behind the police actions.
Ultimately, the case hinged on whether the detention was lawful and potentially discriminatory. The judge determined that the prosecution failed to demonstrate the statutory validity of the stop and that Robinson’s political views likely influenced the officer’s actions. He concluded that there was no unlawful discrimination and declared Robinson not guilty.
Emerging from court, Robinson expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for contributing nearly £100,000 towards his legal defense. He labeled the verdict a “condemnation of the police,” calling their actions corrupt and unlawful.
Robinson also criticized mainstream media for their coverage of the trial, claiming that they ignored the police’s illegal conduct and focused solely on the allegations against him.
