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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's phone held information relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his password to officers, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be data pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

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

Referring to testimony from police who said they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was already known. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately addressed a rally organized by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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 Williamson.

Goozee announced he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.