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Legal representatives told the tribunal that police had reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile held information relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there could be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

Morris added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are possibly engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from arranging a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

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

His barrister, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to indicate his client was a terrorist.

Williamson said the officers’ intervention 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 “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration 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 hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.