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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held information relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

Morris added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from police who said they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday and would not come back until 25 October.

{“I wouldn’t trouble you if this was a trip to Benidorm. I would ask him to rearrange it but he is a guest of a foreign government,” stated the barrister.

Goozee announced he would hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.