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

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a major rally that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the encounter on July 28 of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

He said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was already known. The barrister suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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,” stated the barrister.

Goozee announced he would hand down his ruling on the morning of 4 November.