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Legal representatives told the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Pin

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized 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 told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor 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 Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

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

Legal Team Submissions

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

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from police who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not return 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.

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