"Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was driving a silver Bentayga SUV to the Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm 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 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 the counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year. 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 what questions they had asked Robinson and were "confused" about what powers they had to stop him."
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Robinson, was stopped at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone while driving a silver Bentayga SUV to Benidorm. Officers became suspicious after what they described as "vague replies" and sought access to his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. Schedule 7 empowers police to stop individuals passing through UK ports to determine potential involvement in terrorist acts. District Judge Sam Goozee acquitted Robinson of failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers from the July 28 incident. The judge said the stop appeared motivated by Robinson's political beliefs and a protected characteristic, and noted officers were unclear about the questions and powers they used. There were cheers in the public gallery as Robinson left the dock.
Read at Irish Independent
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