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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

Morris added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The money was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to three months in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case 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 organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said Robinson was due 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,” stated Williamson.

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