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Legal representatives told the tribunal that police had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to provide his phone pin to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are possibly engaged in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The money was said to have been from a collection to cover expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

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

He said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that officers had used an special authority that must be properly policed” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately addressed 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 magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said his client was scheduled to be a guest of the Israeli government 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.