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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile held information related to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to hand over his password to officers, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have links to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to others who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a major rally that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who stopped Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from police who said they called other organizations” after detaining him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.

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

He added that officers had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client journeyed to the resort frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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,” stated Williamson.

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