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

Refusal to Provide Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his phone pin to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the EDL organization.

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination 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 donation drive to offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a gathering arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a guest 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,” said the barrister.

Goozee said he would deliver his verdict on the start of 4 November.