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Legal representatives informed the court that police had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Provide Device Pin

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

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there could be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to others who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from officers who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson 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 Williamson.

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