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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to provide his password to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the EDL organization.

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

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive 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 anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He 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 detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was already known. The barrister proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a livestream.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek 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,” said the barrister.

The judge announced he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.