Tommy Robinson Charged With Terror Offence After Refusing Police Access to Phone

Tommy Robinson has been charged with a terror offence after refusing to give police access to his mobile phone.

The far-Right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will miss his own planned march in London on Saturday after being remanded into custody by police.

It follows Robinson’s arrest at a port in Kent in July, when he was accused of “frustration” of police counter-terrorism powers.

At the time of his arrest, Kent Police said a 41-year-old man was detained by officers under schedule seven of the Terrorism Act 2000 at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone.

Under schedule seven, police are allowed to stop anyone passing through a UK port “to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.

The person who is detained can be held for up to six hours, is legally obliged to answer questions and must provide the password or PIN for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse.

Robinson was charged with one count of failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under schedule seven of the Terrorism Act 2000, police said.

He hugged supporters waiting outside Folkestone police station on Friday, who then cheered as he entered the building.

Robinson, wearing a black gilet, jumper and jeans spoke to a supporter outside the station saying: “I’ll see what happens, mate – I don’t expect to come back out there.”

He has been bailed to appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on Nov 13.

Although Kent Police said Robinson was bailed in relation to the terror offence, the force later confirmed that he was remanded in relation to his ongoing High Court contempt case, which is due to be heard on Monday.

Robinson’s account on X, formerly Twitter, posted: “We can confirm that Tommy is now being held on remand until Monday, when he will appear at Woolwich crown court at 10am.”

He is alleged to have breached a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him.

He was released on unconditional bail in July and subsequently fled the country, with Adam Payter, representing the Solicitor General, telling the High Court that there “was nothing to prevent him from doing so”. Mr Justice Johnson issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear at the High Court.

Robinson is due to appear at Woolwich crown court on Monday for a two-day hearing in relation to the alleged contempt of court.

His supporters are due to hold a demonstration on Saturday, which is expected to be met with a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism. The Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police are due to be supported by officers from other forces, with the Met saying there would be a “significant police presence” to ensure the two groups are kept apart.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aged 41, of no fixed address, was charged on Friday Oct 25 with one count of failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under schedule seven of the Terrorism Act 2000.

“The charge is in relation to an incident in Folkestone on Sunday July 28 after officers stopped Mr Yaxley-Lennon under schedule seven of the Terrorism Act 2000. Mr Yaxley-Lennon has been bailed to appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on Nov 13 2024.”