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Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's phone held material related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to provide his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

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

While his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to individuals who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed day of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration 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,” stated the barrister.

The judge announced he would hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.