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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile held information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant continued to have links to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his association to individuals who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

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

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to offset expenses from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from officers who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the decision 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 discover information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client journeyed to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a rally arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government 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.

Goozee said he would hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.