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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held information related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to hand over his password to police, claiming it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

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

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who denies failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.

Williamson said 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 noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a guest 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 Williamson.

Goozee said he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.