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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his password to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to allow information collection. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

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

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from officers who stated they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to suggest his client was a security threat.

Williamson said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

Robinson claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and lately spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not come back 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.

The judge said he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.