Police Thought Tommy Robinson Possessed Terrorism-Related Information on Mobile Device, Trial Told.

Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The money was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who stated they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to suggest his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. Williamson suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm regularly, which ought to have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed day of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not come back 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 Williamson.

The judge announced he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.