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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's phone contained material related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to hand over his password to officers, claiming it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views have not gone away. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The money was reportedly from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who stated they called other organizations” after detaining him, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

He asserted the police action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not return until October 25.

{“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,” said Williamson.

Goozee said he would hand down his verdict on the start of 4 November.