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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

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

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson still have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his views 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 could be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The money was reportedly from a collection to cover costs from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate 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 “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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 deliver his verdict on the start of 4 November.