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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile held information related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his password to police, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She claimed that police had valid grounds to believe the defendant continued to have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – 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 illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from arranging a major rally that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to three months in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

He said the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense said his client was scheduled 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,” said Williamson.

The judge said he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.