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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement maintained valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Pin

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

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates 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 individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

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

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

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

Expenses and Judgment Timing

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government from Wednesday and would not return 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 Williamson.

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