>chief architect of the “war on terror,” who helped lead the country into the ill-fated Iraq war
Chief architect of 9/11?
Tommy Robinson cleared of terror offence after being found with £13,000 cash in car
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had denied failing to comply with the counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year.
Tommy Robinson has been found not guilty of a terror offence after refusing to give police his phone PIN when he was stopped at the border in a Bentley with thousands of pounds in cash. Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was driving a silver Bentayga SUV to Benidorm, a popular Spanish seaside resort, when he was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
Police were suspicious of Robinson’s “vague replies” about what he was doing and demanded access to his Apple iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. The Act gives police the power 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”. On Tuesday, District Judge Sam Goozee found Robinson not guilty of failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28, 2021.
Mr Goozee said: “I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principle reason for this stop.”
He also said that Pc Mitchell Thorogood’s decision to stop Robinson was based on a “protected characteristic”, adding: “I cannot convict you.” Mr. Goozee said he found it concerning that the officers could not remember the questions they had asked Robinson and were “confused” about the powers they had to stop him.
There were cheers in the public gallery, and Robinson left the dock with his hands in his hoodie pocket.
Robinson had faced a three-week wait for his verdict because he had a pre-planned trip to Israel. The two-day trial took place last month.
Opening the case, prosecutor Jo Morris said officers “became concerned” about the activist’s “demeanour” after he drove alone into the police inspection area.
“He gave short, vague replies and made no eye contact,” she continued.
Robinson, who was recognised by police, was led to an interview room and his phone was seized, the court heard.
On the way there, he tried to film a video of himself saying he had been arrested, and was told by officers to “relax”, the trial was told.
Asked to hand over the phone’s PIN, Robinson replied: “Not a chance bruv … you look like c***s so you ain’t having it.”
“It’s my work, I’m a journalist,” he said, adding that the phone held information about “vulnerable girls”.
“The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him,” Ms Morris said.
The court heard that while being interviewed, Robinson told the officers: “For me it’s a win-win, it’s going to be bad for yous.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2129442/tommy-robinson-not-guilty-judgement-terror-offence