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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone held information related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have links to right-wing groups, even after 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 known for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to cover expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

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

Referring to testimony from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.

Williamson said the police action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was already known. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not return 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 the barrister.

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